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Objective: To investigate Sonic hedgehog (Shh) effects on proliferation and apoptosis of tongue epithelial cells in embryonic and ageing mice. Materials and Methods: Embryonic day 13.5 (E13.5), E14.5, E16.5 and postnatal day 0.5 (PN0.5) K14‐Cre;Shhfl/fl mice, and E14.5, E16.5, PN0.5, PN90.5 and postnatal 1.5 years (PN1.5Y) wild‐type (Wt) mice were employed. Scanning electron microscopy, haematoxylin–eosin and immunohistochemistry were performed. Gel beads containing exogenous Shh protein were embedded in the tongue of PN90.5 and PN1.5Y Wt mice. Three days later, 5‐bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemical and TUNEL staining were performed. Results: The number of fungiform papillae was decreased with age. The numbers of BrdU‐ and PCNA‐positive cells were the highest at PN0.5 and the lowest at PN1.5Y. Compared with Wt mice, K14‐Cre;Shhfl/fl mice had decreased PCNA‐positive cells in the epithelium, a smaller tongue volume, and fewer papillae at PN0.5. At E14.5, the number of BrdU‐positive cells was decreased in K14‐Cre;Shh fl/fl mice. At PN1.5Y, the number of apoptotic cells in tongue tissue exposed to Shh protein was less than that in the BSA group and the numbers of BrdU‐ and PCNA‐positive proliferating cells were increased. Conclusion: Shh maintains cell proliferation and reduces apoptosis during tongue development and ageing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]