The percent difference in numbers of taste buds on intact and denervated sides of the tongue following transection at 10, 25, or 65 days of age. Since sides of the tongue normally have relatively equal numbers of taste buds, the percent difference may be interpreted as a “loss” of taste buds on the denervated (CTX) side of the tongue. Percent differences in total numbers are shown 2, 8, or 50 days after CTX.