[Immunocytochemistry of keratins in the tongue mucosa of rats].

C12 and E2 monoclonal antibodies to keratins stained taste bud cells of foliate papillae as well as the cells of the associated glands. H4 monoclonal antibody to keratin reacted with the surrounding epithelial cells and did not react with the taste bud cells. The results show that the keratin subtype differs between taste bud and surrounding epithelial cells. The similar keratin composition of taste bud and associated gland cells confirm the view on the existence of the same type of cells in these two structures.