Objective: 

Zinc (Zn) is a precious rare element on behalf of its metabolic activities of the organism and contributes to the development of taste sensation. This study is designed to investigate the effects of Zn in the papillae on the tongue which are the most important anatomic structures responsible for taste perception.

Methods: 

For this purpose, in rats consuming pelleted food with different concentrations of Zn, growth and development, daily food and water consumption, taste preferences and consumption rates were determined. Additionally, in histological analysis, alternations of the fungiform papillae and taste buds along with mucosal properties were evaluated. Animals were assigned into four groups each containing 6 rats. Animals were fed diet containing 20, 40, 60 mg/kg Zn for 32 days.

Results: 

No significant differences in water, salt solution and food consumption were found between the groups. The average muscle thickness showed a significant decrease in the group fed wih insufficient Zn.

Conclusions: 

The test results and the histological findings seem consistent with each other. No difference in the diameters of the papillae was found related with Zn concentration. The average muscle thickness decreased as a result of Zn deficiency.