Objective To observe the morphological changes and the regenerating ability of the fungiform papillae and taste buds after60Co radiation with clinical doses in rats.Methods The heads, faces and necks of 30 SD rats were radiated with a large dose and one time of60Co in the clinical radiation. The general living condition and the number and shape of the fungiform papillae and taste buds of the tongues were observed after the radiation in rats.Results In the group of60Co radiation, the ani- mals had wilting, decreasing appetite, losing weight. The heads, faces and necks of animals appeared redness, peeling of hair, increasing of secretions in 5 days afterthe60Co radiation. The changes reached the summit in 10 days and the general living condi- tion of the animals recovered in 60 days. The fungiform papillae and taste buds of the animals appeared degeneration, atrophy and collapsing in 5 days after the60Co radiation. The injuries reached the summit in 10~20 days and the fungiform papillae and taste buds regenerated partially, and the some atrophied fungiform papillae and taste buds were not regenerated in 60 days.Conclusion The damage to fungiform papillae and taste buds of tongue following the60Co radiationwith the clinical doseswas very serious. The damaged fungiform papillae and taste buds can regenerate partially, but not completely.
