INTRAEPITHELIAL PALATINE NERVE-ENDINGS AND THEIR REGULATION OF CILIARY ACTIVITY OF FROG PALATE EPITHELIUM

1. Direct contact between intra-epithelial nerve endings and ciliated cells was observed in frog (Rana pipiens) palate epithelium. 2. Electr ical stimulation of the palatine nerve to the explant or the explant c ulture induced an increase in ciliary beat frequency in explant and ou tgrowth cells. 3. Atropine inhibited electrically stimulated ciliary b eat frequency increase in the explant and outgrowth cells. 4. Gap junc tional intercellular communication appears to be involved in the propa gation of stimulated ciliary beat frequency increase from innervated t o non-innervated ciliated cells.