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Ge S, Khachemoune A. Neuroanatomy of the Cutaneous Nervous System Regarding Wound Healing. INT J LOW EXTR WOUND 2024; 23:191-204. [PMID: 34779294 DOI: 10.1177/15347346211054598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Wound healing is an important topic in modern medicine across many disciplines. Healing of all cutaneous wounds, whether accidentally sustained or intentionally created, requires the common yet complex set of interactions between the immune, circulatory, nervous, endocrine, and integumentary systems. Deficits in any of these systems or the molecular factors that mediate their communications can contribute to impaired healing of cutaneous wounds. While the stages of wound repair, angiogenesis, growth factors, and cytokines involved have been extensively studied, the role of the cutaneous nervous system in wound healing has not been well outlined. We have provided a basic overview of cutaneous innervation and wound repair for the dermatologic surgeon by outlining the normal cutaneous nervous anatomy and function and discussing the most important neuropeptides that mediate the wound healing process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amor Khachemoune
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
- SUNY Downstate, Brooklyn, NY USA
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2
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Nolano M, Provitera V, Caporaso G, Fasolino I, Borreca I, Stancanelli A, Iuzzolino VV, Senerchia G, Vitale F, Tozza S, Ruggiero L, Iodice R, Ferrari S, Santoro L, Manganelli F, Dubbioso R. Skin innervation across amyotrophic lateral sclerosis clinical stages: new prognostic biomarkers. Brain 2024; 147:1740-1750. [PMID: 38123494 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Over recent decades, peripheral sensory abnormalities, including the evidence of cutaneous denervation, have been reported among the non-motor manifestations in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, a correlation between cutaneous innervation and clinical features has not been found. The aims of this study were to assess sensory involvement by applying a morpho-functional approach to a large population of ALS patients stratified according to King's stages and correlate these findings with the severity and prognosis of the disease. We recruited 149 ALS patients and 41 healthy controls. Patients undertook clinical questionnaires for small fibre neuropathy symptoms (Small Fiber Neuropathy Symptoms Inventory Questionnaire) and underwent nerve conductions studies (NCS) and 3-mm punch skin biopsies from leg, thigh and fingertip. We assessed intraepidermal nerve fibre (IENF) and Meissner corpuscle (MC) density by applying an indirect immunofluorescence technique. Moreover, a subset of 65 ALS patients underwent a longitudinal study with repeat biopsies from the thigh at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Serum NfL levels were measured in 40 patients. Sensory symptoms and sensory NCS abnormalities were present in 32.2% and 24% of patients, respectively, and increased across clinical stages. Analogously, we observed a progressive reduction in amplitude of the sensory and motor ulnar nerve potential from stage 1 to stage 4. Skin biopsy showed a significant loss of IENFs and MCs in ALS compared with healthy controls (all P < 0.001). Across the clinical stages, we found a progressive reduction in MCs (P = 0.004) and an increase in IENFs (all P < 0.027). The increase in IENFs was confirmed by the longitudinal study. Interestingly, the MC density inversely correlated with NfL level (r = -0.424, P = 0.012), and survival analysis revealed that low MC density, higher NfL levels and increasing IENF density over time were associated with a poorer prognosis (all P < 0.024). To summarize, in patients with ALS, peripheral sensory involvement worsens in parallel with motor disability. Furthermore, the correlation between skin innervation and disease activity may suggest the use of skin innervation as a putative prognostic biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Nolano
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Skin Biopsy Lab, Neurological Rehabilitation Unit of Telese Terme Institute, Telese Terme, Benevento 82037, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Provitera
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Skin Biopsy Lab, Neurological Rehabilitation Unit of Telese Terme Institute, Telese Terme, Benevento 82037, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Caporaso
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Skin Biopsy Lab, Neurological Rehabilitation Unit of Telese Terme Institute, Telese Terme, Benevento 82037, Italy
| | - Ines Fasolino
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials-National Research Council (IPCB-CNR), Naples 80125, Italy
| | - Ilaria Borreca
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Skin Biopsy Lab, Neurological Rehabilitation Unit of Telese Terme Institute, Telese Terme, Benevento 82037, Italy
| | - Annamaria Stancanelli
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Skin Biopsy Lab, Neurological Rehabilitation Unit of Telese Terme Institute, Telese Terme, Benevento 82037, Italy
| | - Valentina V Iuzzolino
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Gianmaria Senerchia
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Floriana Vitale
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Stefano Tozza
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Lucia Ruggiero
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Rosa Iodice
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Sergio Ferrari
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Policlinico GB Rossi, Verona 37134, Italy
| | - Lucio Santoro
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Fiore Manganelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Raffaele Dubbioso
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
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Deflorio D, Di Luca M, Wing AM. Skin properties and afferent density in the deterioration of tactile spatial acuity with age. J Physiol 2023; 601:517-533. [PMID: 36533658 PMCID: PMC10107475 DOI: 10.1113/jp283174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Tactile sensitivity is affected by age, as shown by the deterioration of spatial acuity assessed with the two-point discrimination task. This is assumed to be partly a result of age-related changes of the peripheral somatosensory system. In particular, in the elderly, the density of mechanoreceptive afferents decreases with age and the skin tends to become drier, less elastic and less stiff. To assess to what degree mechanoreceptor density, skin hydration, elasticity and stiffness can account for the deterioration of tactile spatial sensitivity observed in the elderly, several approaches were combined, including psychophysics, measurements of finger properties, modelling and simulation of the response of first-order tactile neurons. Psychophysics confirmed that the Elderly group has lower tactile acuity than the Young group. Correlation and commonality analysis showed that age was the most important factor in explaining decreases in behavioural performance. Biological elasticity, hydration and finger pad area were also involved. These results were consistent with the outcome of simulations showing that lower afferent density and lower Young's modulus (i.e. lower stiffness) negatively affected the tactile encoding of stimulus information. Simulations revealed that these changes resulted in a lower build-up of task-relevant stimulus information. Importantly, the reduction in discrimination performance with age in the simulation was less than that observed in the psychophysical testing, indicating that there are additional peripheral as well as central factors responsible for age-related changes in tactile discrimination. KEY POINTS: Ageing effects on tactile perception involve the deterioration of spatial sensitivity, although the contribution of central and peripheral factors is not clear. We combined psychophysics, measurements of finger properties, modelling and simulation of the response of first-order tactile neurons to investigate to what extent skin elasticity, stiffness, hydration, finger pad area and afferent density can account for the lower spatial sensitivity observed in the elderly. Correlation and commonality analysis revealed that age was the most important factor to predict behavioural performance. Skin biological elasticity, hydration and finger pad area contributed to a lesser extent. The simulation of first-order tactile neuron responses indicated that reduction in afferent density plays a major role in the deterioration of tactile spatial acuity. Simulations also showed that lower skin stiffness and lower afferent density affect the build-up of stimulus information and the response of SA1 (i.e. type 1 slowly adapting fibres) and RA1 (i.e. type 1 rapidly adapting fibres) afferent fibres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Deflorio
- School of Psychology University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Alan M Wing
- School of Psychology University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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Differences between finger and toe Meissner corpuscles: Searching for the optimal place to analyze meissner corpuscles in cutaneous biopsy. TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH IN ANATOMY 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tria.2023.100234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
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5
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Nolano M, Caporaso G, Manganelli F, Stancanelli A, Borreca I, Mozzillo S, Tozza S, Dubbioso R, Iodice R, Vitale F, Koay S, Vichayanrat E, da Silva FV, Santoro L, Iodice V, Provitera V. Phosphorylated α-Synuclein Deposits in Cutaneous Nerves of Early Parkinsonism. JOURNAL OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE 2022; 12:2453-2468. [PMID: 36373295 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-223421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of peripheral phosphorylated-α-Synuclein (p-α-syn) deposition on nerve degeneration in synucleinopathies is still unknown. OBJECTIVE To assess the cutaneous neural distribution of p-α-Syn deposits and its correlation with clinical data and with morphology and function of cutaneous sensory and autonomic nerves in early Parkinson's disease (PD) and multiple system atrophy-parkinson type (MSA-p). METHODS We recruited 57 PD (F/M = 21/36; age 63.5±9.4 years) and 43 MSA-p (F/M = 16/27; age 62.3±9.0 years) patients within 2 years from motor symptoms. We applied questionnaires and clinical scales, sensory thresholds, and sudomotor testing to assess severity of motor and non-motor involvement and sensory and autonomic dysfunction. We quantified, in skin biopsy from thigh, leg, and fingertip, epidermal, pilomotor, and sudomotor nerve fibers, Meissner corpuscles and intrapapillary myelinated endings and the neural distribution of p-α-syn deposits. RESULTS Compared to controls, we found a cutaneous denervation paralleling functional and clinical impairment. Sensory and autonomic denervation was more severe in MSA-p than in PD. Deposits of p-α-syn were found in the majority of patients, with no significant differences among sites in both groups. Higher occurrence of p-α-syn deposits in autonomic nerves differentiated (p < 0.01) PD from MSA-p. p-α-syn deposits correlated positively with sudomotor function, epidermal, pilomotor and sudomotor nerve densities, and inversely with non-motor symptoms and disease progression. CONCLUSION Our work demonstrated an early peripheral sensory and autonomic involvement in synucleinopathies, more severe in MSA-p than in PD. Higher p-α-syn deposits in autonomic nerves differentiated PD from MSA-p. p-α-syn deposits were associated with preserved innervation and slower disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Nolano
- Neurology Department, Skin Biopsy Laboratory, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Telese Terme, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University Federico II of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Caporaso
- Neurology Department, Skin Biopsy Laboratory, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Telese Terme, Italy
| | - Fiore Manganelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University Federico II of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Annamaria Stancanelli
- Neurology Department, Skin Biopsy Laboratory, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Telese Terme, Italy
| | - Ilaria Borreca
- Neurology Department, Skin Biopsy Laboratory, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Telese Terme, Italy
| | - Stefania Mozzillo
- Neurology Department, Skin Biopsy Laboratory, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Telese Terme, Italy
| | - Stefano Tozza
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University Federico II of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Dubbioso
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University Federico II of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Iodice
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University Federico II of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Floriana Vitale
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University Federico II of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Shiwen Koay
- Department of Brain, Repair and Rehabilitation, University College London Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK.,Autonomic Unit, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Ekawat Vichayanrat
- Autonomic Unit, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | | | - Lucio Santoro
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University Federico II of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria Iodice
- Department of Brain, Repair and Rehabilitation, University College London Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK.,Autonomic Unit, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Vincenzo Provitera
- Neurology Department, Skin Biopsy Laboratory, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Telese Terme, Italy
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Lauria G, Faber CG, Cornblath DR. Skin biopsy and small fibre neuropathies: facts and thoughts 30 years later. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2022; 93:915-918. [PMID: 35246491 PMCID: PMC9380509 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2021-327742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Lauria
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico "Carlo Besta", Milan, Italy .,Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Catharina G Faber
- Department of Neurology, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - David R Cornblath
- Department of Neurology, John Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Picconi F, Ryan CP, Russo B, Ciotti S, Pepe A, Menduni M, Lacquaniti F, Frontoni S, Moscatelli A. The evaluation of tactile dysfunction in the hand in type 1 diabetes: a novel method based on haptics. Acta Diabetol 2022; 59:1073-1082. [PMID: 35641837 PMCID: PMC9242965 DOI: 10.1007/s00592-022-01903-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS We present an innovative method based on haptics for the evaluation of the sense of touch in the hand, in people affected by type 1 diabetes. METHODS Forty individuals affected by diabetes and 20 healthy controls took part in the study; the diabetes group was further divided into two subgroups based on vibration sensitivity in the lower limb. By means of a novel haptic device, tactile sensitivity in the fingertip was measured as the ability of the participants to discriminate slip motion speed. RESULTS Tactile sensitivity was significantly lower in individuals affected by diabetes as compared to controls. Depending on the subgroup, the difference from the controls was equal to 0.11 (95% CI from 0.029 to 0.186) and to 0.267 (95% CI from 0.198 to 0.336). Within the diabetes group, tactile sensitivity correlated with vibration sensitivity in the upper (p = 0.001) and lower limb (p = 0.003). A significant relationship between nerve conduction parameters and tactile sensitivity was found (p = 0.03). Finally, we combined the different predictors (clinical, vibratory and electroneurography data) by using cluster analysis; tactile sensitivity was found to be significantly different between different clusters (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS Early signs of tactile dysfunction in the hand were found in individuals affected by diabetes, even in absence of diabetic neuropathy. The protocol presented in this study is a promising tool for the assessment of tactile dysfunction in the hand in people affected by type 1 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Picconi
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, S. Giovanni Calibita, Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - C P Ryan
- Department of Systems Medicine and Centre of Space Biomedicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Laboratory of Neuromotor Physiology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - B Russo
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, S. Giovanni Calibita, Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - S Ciotti
- Department of Systems Medicine and Centre of Space Biomedicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Laboratory of Neuromotor Physiology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
- Research Centre "E. Piaggio" and Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - A Pepe
- Unit of Neurology, S. Giovanni Calibita Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - M Menduni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, S. Giovanni Calibita, Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - F Lacquaniti
- Department of Systems Medicine and Centre of Space Biomedicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Laboratory of Neuromotor Physiology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - S Frontoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, S. Giovanni Calibita, Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Rome, Italy.
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - A Moscatelli
- Department of Systems Medicine and Centre of Space Biomedicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Laboratory of Neuromotor Physiology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
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Deflorio D, Di Luca M, Wing AM. Skin and Mechanoreceptor Contribution to Tactile Input for Perception: A Review of Simulation Models. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:862344. [PMID: 35721353 PMCID: PMC9201416 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.862344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We review four current computational models that simulate the response of mechanoreceptors in the glabrous skin to tactile stimulation. The aim is to inform researchers in psychology, sensorimotor science and robotics who may want to implement this type of quantitative model in their research. This approach proves relevant to understanding of the interaction between skin response and neural activity as it avoids some of the limitations of traditional measurement methods of tribology, for the skin, and neurophysiology, for tactile neurons. The main advantage is to afford new ways of looking at the combined effects of skin properties on the activity of a population of tactile neurons, and to examine different forms of coding by tactile neurons. Here, we provide an overview of selected models from stimulus application to neuronal spiking response, including their evaluation in terms of existing data, and their applicability in relation to human tactile perception.
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Bounakoff C, Hayward V, Genest J, Michaud F, Beauvais J. Artificial fast-adapting mechanoreceptor based on carbon nanotube percolating network. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2818. [PMID: 35264589 PMCID: PMC8907247 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04483-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Most biological sensors preferentially encode changes in a stimulus rather than the steady components. However, intrinsically phasic artificial mechanoreceptors have not yet been described. We constructed a phasic mechanoreceptor by encapsulating carbon nanotube film in a viscoelastic matrix supported by a rigid substrate. When stimulated by a spherical indenter the sensor response resembled the response of fast-adapting mammalian mechanoreceptors. We modelled these sensors from the properties of percolating conductive networks combined with nonlinear contact mechanics and discussed the implications of this finding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyril Bounakoff
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering, Interdisciplinary Institute for Technological Innovation (3IT), Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
| | - Vincent Hayward
- Sorbonne Université, Institut des Systèmes Intelligents et de Robotique, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Jonathan Genest
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering, Interdisciplinary Institute for Technological Innovation (3IT), Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - François Michaud
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering, Interdisciplinary Institute for Technological Innovation (3IT), Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Jacques Beauvais
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Creigh PD, Du K, Wood EP, Mountain J, Sowden J, Charles J, Behrens-Spraggins S, Herrmann DN. In Vivo Reflectance Microscopy of Meissner Corpuscles and Bedside Measures of Large Fiber Sensory Function: A Normative Data Cohort. Neurology 2022; 98:e750-e758. [PMID: 34880095 PMCID: PMC8865896 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000013175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The goal of this work was to establish age-, sex-, and body dimension-adjusted normal cutoff values for Meissner corpuscle (MC) densities via in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), timed vibration sensory thresholds with a 128-Hz tuning fork, and touch-pressure sensory thresholds with standardized monofilaments for clinical and research application. METHODS Seventy-seven prospectively recruited individuals without signs or symptoms of peripheral neuropathy or a condition or neurotoxin exposure that can alter sensory function underwent cross-sectional evaluation of MC densities via in vivo RCM, monofilament touch-pressure sensory thresholds, and timed vibration sensory thresholds in nondominant upper and lower extremities. Age-, sex-, and body dimension (e.g., height)-adjusted normal values were developed. The fifth percentile for MC densities and timed vibration thresholds and 95th percentile for MF touch-pressure thresholds were selected as normal cutoff points. RESULTS Participants were 9 to 89 years of age. Age and sex were uniformly distributed. Timed vibration and touch-pressure thresholds were less sensitive with increasing age and were more sensitive in the hand than in the leg or foot within individuals. Timed vibration thresholds did not differ by sex or body dimensions. Touch-pressure thresholds were lower (more sensitive) at the thenar eminence and digit V in the hand in women compared to men but otherwise did not differ by sex at other measurement locations. Body dimensions did not affect touch-pressure thresholds. There were no apparent age-related floor effects for the 5th and 95th percentile normal cutoff values for timed vibration or touch-pressure thresholds, respectively. MC densities also declined with age and were highest at digit V and lowest at the arch within individuals. MC densities were affected by sex or body dimensions at all imaging sites, with lower densities seen in male participants or larger individuals. MC densities were quantifiable in the hand of all participants and were associated with touch-pressure thresholds at all locations. DISCUSSION This study establishes age-, sex-, and body dimension-adjusted normal cutoff values for 2 easily applied measures of large fiber sensory function and RCM assessment of MC densities for multiple limb locations. These results will aid in the detection and monitoring of peripheral sensory nerve disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Khai Du
- From the Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, NY.
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Eldridge SA, Mortazavi F, Rice FL, Ketten DR, Wiley DN, Lyman E, Reidenberg JS, Hanke FD, DeVreese S, Strobel SM, Rosene DL. Specializations of somatosensory innervation in the skin of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2022; 305:514-534. [PMID: 35023618 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Cetacean behavior and life history imply a role for somatosensory detection of critical signals unique to their marine environment. As the sensory anatomy of cetacean glabrous skin has not been fully explored, skin biopsy samples of the flank skin of humpback whales were prepared for general histological and immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses of innervation in this study. Histology revealed an exceptionally thick epidermis interdigitated by numerous, closely spaced long, thin diameter penicillate dermal papillae (PDP). The dermis had a stratified organization including a deep neural plexus (DNP) stratum intermingled with small arteries that was the source of intermingled nerves and arterioles forming a more superficial subepidermal neural plexus (SNP) stratum. The patterns of nerves branching through the DNP and SNP that distribute extensive innervation to arteries and arterioles and to the upper dermis and PDP provide a dense innervation associated through the whole epidermis. Some NF-H+ fibers terminated at the base of the epidermis and as encapsulated endings in dermal papillae similar to Merkel innervation and encapsulated endings seen in terrestrial mammals. However, unlike in all mammalian species assessed to date, an unusual acellular gap was present between the perineural sheaths and the central core of axons in all the cutaneous nerves perhaps as mechanism to prevent high hydrostatic pressure from compressing and interfering with axonal conductance. Altogether the whale skin has an exceptionally dense low-threshold mechanosensory system innervation most likely adapted for sensing hydrodynamic stimuli, as well as nerves that can likely withstand high pressure experienced during deep dives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherri A Eldridge
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Farzad Mortazavi
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Frank L Rice
- Integrated Tissue Dynamics, Rensselaer, New York, USA
| | - Darlene R Ketten
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David N Wiley
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/ National Ocean Service/Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, Scituate, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ed Lyman
- Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, Kihei, Hawaii, USA
| | - Joy S Reidenberg
- Center for Anatomy and Functional Morphology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Frederike D Hanke
- University of Rostock, Institute for Biosciences, Neuroethology, Rostock, Germany
| | - Steffen DeVreese
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Laboratory of Applied Bioacoustics, Technical University of Catalonia, BarcelonaTech, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sarah McKay Strobel
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Douglas L Rosene
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Ramnarine SR, Dougherty PM, Rolke R, Williams LJ, Alessi-Fox C, Coleman AJ, Longo C, Colvin LA, Fallon MT. OUP accepted manuscript. Oncologist 2022; 27:e671-e680. [PMID: 35706109 PMCID: PMC9355818 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyac106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is a lack of standardized objective and reliable assessment tools for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) imaging offers a non-invasive method to identify peripheral neuropathy markers, namely Meissner’s corpuscles (MC). This study investigated the feasibility and value of RCM in CIPN. Patients and Methods Reflectance confocal microscopy was performed on the fingertip to evaluate MC density in 45 healthy controls and 9 patients with cancer (prior, during, and post-chemotherapy). Quantification was completed by 2 reviewers (one blinded), with maximum MC count/3 × 3 mm image reported. Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST; thermal and mechanical detection thresholds), Grooved pegboard test, and patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMS) were conducted for comparison. Results In controls (25 females, 20 males; 24-81 years), females exhibited greater mean MC density compared with males (49.9 ± 7.1 vs 30.9 ± 4.2 MC/3 × 3 mm; P = .03). Differences existed across age by decade (P < .0001). Meissner’s corpuscle density was correlated with mechanical detection (ρ = −0.51), warm detection (ρ = −0.47), cold pain (ρ = 0.49) thresholds (P < .01); and completion time on the Grooved pegboard test in both hands (P ≤ .02). At baseline, patients had reduced MC density vs age and gender-matched controls (P = .03). Longitudinal assessment of MC density revealed significant relationships with QST and PROMS. Inter-rater reliability of MC count showed an intraclass correlation of 0.96 (P < .0001). Conclusions The findings support the clinical utility of RCM in CIPN as it provides meaningful markers of sensory nerve dysfunction. Novel, prospective assessment demonstrated the ability to detect subclinical deficits in patients at risk of CIPN and potential to monitor neuropathy progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina R Ramnarine
- Corresponding author: Sabrina R. Ramnarine MBChB, PhD, CLIMP, Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK. Tel: +44 207188 7188; ,
| | - Patrick M Dougherty
- Department of Pain Medicine, Division of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Roman Rolke
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Medical Faculty RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Linda J Williams
- Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Andrew J Coleman
- Clinical Imaging and Medical Physics, Guys’ and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Caterina Longo
- Department of Dermatology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Centro Oncologico ad Alta Tecnologia Diagnostica-Dermatologia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Lesley A Colvin
- Division of Population Health and Genomics, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Marie T Fallon
- Edinburgh Cancer Research UK Centre, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Verdugo RJ, Matamala JM, Inui K, Kakigi R, Valls-Solé J, Hansson P, Bernhard Nilsen K, Lombardi R, Lauria G, Petropoulos IN, Malik RA, Treede RD, Baumgärtner U, Jara PA, Campero M. Review of techniques useful for the assessment of sensory small fiber neuropathies: Report from an IFCN expert group. Clin Neurophysiol 2022; 136:13-38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
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Generation of hiPSC-derived low threshold mechanoreceptors containing axonal termini resembling bulbous sensory nerve endings and expressing Piezo1 and Piezo2. Stem Cell Res 2021; 56:102535. [PMID: 34607262 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2021.102535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatosensory low threshold mechanoreceptors (LTMRs) sense innocuous mechanical forces, largely through specialized axon termini termed sensory nerve endings, where the mechanotransduction process initiates upon activation of mechanotransducers. In humans, a subset of sensory nerve endings is enlarged, forming bulb-like expansions, termed bulbous nerve endings. There is no in vitro human model to study these neuronal endings. Piezo2 is the main mechanotransducer found in LTMRs. Recent evidence shows that Piezo1, the other mechanotransducer considered absent in dorsal root ganglia (DRG), is expressed at low level in somatosensory neurons. We established a differentiation protocol to generate, from iPSC-derived neuronal precursor cells, human LTMR recapitulating bulbous sensory nerve endings and heterogeneous expression of Piezo1 and Piezo2. The derived neurons express LTMR-specific genes, convert mechanical stimuli into electrical signals and have specialized axon termini that morphologically resemble bulbous nerve endings. Piezo2 is concentrated within these enlarged axon termini. Some derived neurons express low level Piezo1, and a subset co-express both channels. Thus, we generated a unique, iPSCs-derived human model that can be used to investigate the physiology of bulbous sensory nerve endings, and the role of Piezo1 and 2 during mechanosensation.
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Tactile sensitivity in the rat: a correlation between receptor structure and function. Exp Brain Res 2021; 239:3457-3469. [PMID: 34519842 PMCID: PMC8599332 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-021-06193-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Single cutaneous fibers were recorded in the median nerve of the deeply anesthetized rat and the receptor morphology in the forelimb glabrous skin was analyzed to establish a probable correlation between receptor anatomy and physiology. Receptor complexes in the glabrous skin of the rat forelimb were stained immunologically with antibodies NF-200 and PGP-9.5, confirming the presence of Meissner corpuscles and Merkel complexes within the dermal papilla similar to other mammals including primates. Both the Meissner corpuscles and Merkel cell complexes were sparse and located in the pyramidal-shaped palmer pads and the apex of the digit extremities. They were almost totally absent elsewhere in the glabrous skin. No Ruffini receptors or Pacinian corpuscles were found in our samples. A total of 92 cutaneous fibers were retained long enough for analysis. Thirty-five (38%) were characterized as rapidly adapting fibers (RA) and 57 (62%) were slowly adapting afferents (SA). Despite the very limited number of receptors at the tip of the digit, RA receptors outnumbered SA fibers 3.2/1.0. In contrast, SA fibers on the thenar pad outnumbered RA receptors by a ratio of 3–1. Despite the very limited number of low threshold mechanoreceptors in the glabrous skin of the rat forelimb, the prevalence of SA afferents in the palm and more frequent occurrence of RA afferents in the digit extremity suggest differences in functionality both for locomotion and object manipulation.
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Cavallaro T, Tagliapietra M, Fabrizi GM, Bai Y, Shy ME, Vallat JM. Hereditary neuropathies: A pathological perspective. J Peripher Nerv Syst 2021; 26 Suppl 2:S42-S60. [PMID: 34499384 DOI: 10.1111/jns.12467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Hereditary neuropathies may result from mutations in genes expressed by Schwann cells or neurons that affect selectively the peripheral nervous system (PNS) or may represent a minor or major component of complex inherited diseases that involve also the central nervous system and/or other organs and tissues. The chapter is constantly expanding and reworking, thanks to advances of molecular genetics; next-generation sequencing is identifying a plethora of new genes and is revolutionizing the diagnostic approach. In the past, diagnostic sural nerve biopsies paved the way to the discovery and elucidation of major genes and molecular pathways associated to most frequent hereditary motor-sensory neuropathies. Nowadays, a sural nerve biopsy may prove useful in selected cases for the differential diagnosis of an acquired neuropathy when clinical examination, nerve conduction studies, and molecular tests are not sufficiently informative. Skin biopsy has emerged as a minimally invasive window on the PNS, which may provide biomarkers of progression and clues to the physiopathology and molecular pathology of inherited neuropathies. The aim of our review is to illustrate the pathological features of more frequent and paradigmatic hereditary neuropathies and to highlight their correlations with the roles of the involved genes and functional consequences of related molecular defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Cavallaro
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine, and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, VR, Italy
| | - Matteo Tagliapietra
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine, and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, VR, Italy
| | - Gian Maria Fabrizi
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine, and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, VR, Italy
| | - Yunhong Bai
- Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Michael E Shy
- Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Jean-Michel Vallat
- Department of Neurology, National Reference Center for "Rare Peripheral Neuropathies", CHU Dupuytren, Limoges, France
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Karlsson P, Provitera V, Caporaso G, Stancanelli A, Saltalamacchia AM, Borreca I, Manganelli F, Santoro L, Jensen TS, Nolano M. Increased peptidergic fibers as a potential cutaneous marker of pain in diabetic small fiber neuropathy. Pain 2021; 162:778-786. [PMID: 32833793 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of diabetes and is often associated with neuropathic pain. The mechanisms underlying development and maintenance of painful DPN are largely unknown, and quantification of intraepidermal nerve fiber density from skin biopsy, one of the neuropathological gold standard when diagnosing DPN, does not differentiate between patients with and without pain. Identification of possible pain pathophysiological biomarkers in patients with painful DPN may increase our knowledge of mechanisms behind neuropathic pain. Animal models of painful DPN have been shown to have an increased density of peptidergic nerve fibers (substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide). In this study, we performed a detailed skin biopsy analysis in a well-characterized group of DPN patients with primarily small fiber involvement, with and without pain, and in healthy controls and test for correlation between skin biopsy findings and pain intensity and quantitative sensory testing. We found that although there was no difference in intraepidermal nerve fiber density using protein gene product 9.5 between patients with and without pain, patients with pain had increased density of dermal peptidergic fibers containing substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide compared with patients with painless DPN and healthy controls. Peptidergic nerve fiber density correlated with pain ratings in patients with pain (R = 0.33; P = 0.019), but not with quantitative sensory testing results. In this article, we show, for the first time in humans, an increased density of dermal peptidergic fibers in painful DPN. These findings provide new insight in the pathophysiological mechanisms of pain in diabetes and open the research towards new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pall Karlsson
- Danish Pain Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Core Center for Molecular Morphology, Section for Stereology and Microscopy , Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Vincenzo Provitera
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Department of Neurology, Institute of Telese Terme, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Caporaso
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Department of Neurology, Institute of Telese Terme, Italy
| | - Annamaria Stancanelli
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Department of Neurology, Institute of Telese Terme, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Saltalamacchia
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Department of Neurology, Institute of Telese Terme, Italy
| | - Ilaria Borreca
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Department of Neurology, Institute of Telese Terme, Italy
| | - Fiore Manganelli
- Department of Neuroscience and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Lucio Santoro
- Department of Neuroscience and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Troels Staehelin Jensen
- Danish Pain Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Maria Nolano
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Department of Neurology, Institute of Telese Terme, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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18
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Dubbioso R, Provitera V, Vitale F, Stancanelli A, Borreca I, Caporaso G, De Michele G, De Rosa A, Picillo M, Barone P, Iodice R, Manganelli F, De Michele G, Santoro L, Nolano M. Cutaneous sensory and autonomic denervation in progressive supranuclear palsy. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2021; 47:653-663. [PMID: 33421177 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIM Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) is a progressive neurodegenerative tauopathy characterised by motor, behavioural and cognitive dysfunction. While in the last decade, sensory and autonomic disturbances as well as peripheral nerve involvement are well-recognised in Parkinson's Disease (PD), little is known in this regard for PSP. Herein, we aim to assess peripheral sensory and autonomic nerve involvement in PSP and to characterise possible differences in morpho-functional pattern compared to PD patients. METHODS We studied 27 PSP and 33 PD patients without electrophysiological signs of neuropathy, and 33 healthy controls (HC). In addition to motor impairment, evaluated by means of UPDRS-III and the PSP rating scale, all patients underwent clinical, functional and morphological assessment of sensory-autonomic nerves through dedicated questionnaires, sympathetic skin response, dynamic sweat test and skin biopsies. The analysis of cutaneous sensory and autonomic innervation was performed using indirect immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. RESULTS PSP patients displayed a length-dependent loss of sensory and autonomic nerve fibres associated with functional impairment compared to HC and, overall, a more severe picture than in PD patients. The disease severity correlated with the loss of intraepidermal nerve fibre density in the leg of PSP patients (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION We demonstrated a length-dependent small fibre pathology in PSP, more severe compared to PD, and paralleling disease severity. Our findings suggest the morphological and functional study of cutaneous nerves as possible biomarkers to monitor disease progression and response to new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Dubbioso
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Provitera
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Department of Neurology of Telese, Terme Institute, Italy
| | - Floriana Vitale
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Annamaria Stancanelli
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Department of Neurology of Telese, Terme Institute, Italy
| | - Ilaria Borreca
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Department of Neurology of Telese, Terme Institute, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Caporaso
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Department of Neurology of Telese, Terme Institute, Italy
| | - Giovanna De Michele
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Anna De Rosa
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Marina Picillo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Neuroscience Section, University of Salerno, Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Paolo Barone
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Neuroscience Section, University of Salerno, Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Rosa Iodice
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Fiore Manganelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe De Michele
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Lucio Santoro
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Nolano
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.,Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Department of Neurology of Telese, Terme Institute, Italy
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Parvizi-Fard A, Amiri M, Kumar D, Iskarous MM, Thakor NV. A functional spiking neuronal network for tactile sensing pathway to process edge orientation. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1320. [PMID: 33446742 PMCID: PMC7809061 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80132-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
To obtain deeper insights into the tactile processing pathway from a population-level point of view, we have modeled three stages of the tactile pathway from the periphery to the cortex in response to indentation and scanned edge stimuli at different orientations. Three stages in the tactile pathway are, (1) the first-order neurons which innervate the cutaneous mechanoreceptors, (2) the cuneate nucleus in the midbrain and (3) the cortical neurons of the somatosensory area. In the proposed network, the first layer mimics the spiking patterns generated by the primary afferents. These afferents have complex skin receptive fields. In the second layer, the role of lateral inhibition on projection neurons in the cuneate nucleus is investigated. The third layer acts as a biomimetic decoder consisting of pyramidal and cortical interneurons that correspond to heterogeneous receptive fields with excitatory and inhibitory sub-regions on the skin. In this way, the activity of pyramidal neurons is tuned to the specific edge orientations. By modifying afferent receptive field size, it is observed that the larger receptive fields convey more information about edge orientation in the first spikes of cortical neurons when edge orientation stimuli move across the patch of skin. In addition, the proposed spiking neural model can detect edge orientation at any location on the simulated mechanoreceptor grid with high accuracy. The results of this research advance our knowledge about tactile information processing and can be employed in prosthetic and bio-robotic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel Parvizi-Fard
- Medical Biology Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mahmood Amiri
- Medical Technology Research Center, Institute of Health Technology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Deepesh Kumar
- SINAPSE Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mark M Iskarous
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nitish V Thakor
- SINAPSE Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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20
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Baskozos G, Sandy-Hindmarch O, Clark AJ, Windsor K, Karlsson P, Weir GA, McDermott LA, Burchall J, Wiberg A, Furniss D, Bennett DLH, Schmid AB. Molecular and cellular correlates of human nerve regeneration: ADCYAP1/PACAP enhance nerve outgrowth. Brain 2020; 143:2009-2026. [PMID: 32651949 PMCID: PMC7462094 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awaa163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We only have a rudimentary understanding of the molecular and cellular determinants of nerve regeneration and neuropathic pain in humans. This cohort study uses the most common entrapment neuropathy (carpal tunnel syndrome) as a human model system to prospectively evaluate the cellular and molecular correlates of neural regeneration and its relationship with clinical recovery. In 60 patients undergoing carpal tunnel surgery [36 female, mean age 62.5 (standard deviation 12.2) years], we used quantitative sensory testing and nerve conduction studies to evaluate the function of large and small fibres before and 6 months after surgery. Clinical recovery was assessed with the global rating of change scale and Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. Twenty healthy participants provided normative data [14 female, mean age 58.0 (standard deviation 12.9) years]. At 6 months post-surgery, we noted significant recovery of median nerve neurophysiological parameters (P < 0.0001) and improvements in quantitative sensory testing measures of both small and large nerve fibre function (P < 0.002). Serial biopsies revealed a partial recovery of intraepidermal nerve fibre density [fibres/mm epidermis pre: 4.20 (2.83), post: 5.35 (3.34), P = 0.001], whose extent correlated with symptom improvement (r = 0.389, P = 0.001). In myelinated afferents, nodal length increased postoperatively [pre: 2.03 (0.82), post: 3.03 (1.23), P < 0.0001] suggesting that this is an adaptive phenomenon. Transcriptional profiling of the skin revealed 31 differentially expressed genes following decompression, with ADCYAP1 (encoding pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide, PACAP) being the most strongly upregulated (log2 fold-change 1.87, P = 0.0001) and its expression was associated with recovery of intraepidermal nerve fibres. We found that human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived sensory neurons expressed the receptor for PACAP and that this peptide could significantly enhance axon outgrowth in a dose-dependent manner in vitro [neurite length PACAP 1065.0 µm (285.5), vehicle 570.9 μm (181.8), P = 0.003]. In conclusion, carpal tunnel release is associated with significant cutaneous reinnervation, which correlates with the degree of functional improvement and is associated with a transcriptional programme relating to morphogenesis and inflammatory processes. The most highly dysregulated gene ADCYAP1 (encoding PACAP) was associated with reinnervation and, given that this peptide signals through G-protein coupled receptors, this signalling pathway provides an interesting therapeutic target for human sensory nerve regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Baskozos
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, The University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Alex J Clark
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, The University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Katherine Windsor
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, The University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Pall Karlsson
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Danish Pain Research Center, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Greg A Weir
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, The University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Lucy A McDermott
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, The University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Joanna Burchall
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, The University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Akira Wiberg
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, The University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Dominic Furniss
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, The University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - David L H Bennett
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, The University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Annina B Schmid
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, The University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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21
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Contribution of Skin Biopsy in Peripheral Neuropathies. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10120989. [PMID: 33333929 PMCID: PMC7765344 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10120989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last three decades the study of cutaneous innervation through 3 mm-punch-biopsy has provided an important contribution to the knowledge of small fiber somatic and autonomic neuropathies but also of large fiber neuropathies. Skin biopsy is a minimally invasive technique with the advantage, compared to sural nerve biopsy, of being suitable to be applied to any site in our body, of being repeatable over time, of allowing the identification of each population of nerve fiber through its target. In patients with symptoms and signs of small fiber neuropathy the assessment of IntraEpidermal Nerve Fiber density is the gold standard to confirm the diagnosis while the quantification of sudomotor, pilomotor, and vasomotor nerve fibers allows to evaluate and characterize the autonomic involvement. All these parameters can be re-evaluated over time to monitor the disease process and to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatments. Myelinated fibers and their receptors can also be evaluated to detect a “dying back” neuropathy early when nerve conduction study is still normal. Furthermore, the morphometry of dermal myelinated fibers has provided new insight into pathophysiological mechanisms of different types of inherited and acquired large fibers neuropathies. In genetic neuropathies skin biopsy has become a surrogate for sural nerve biopsy, no longer necessary in the diagnostic process, to study genotype–phenotype correlations.
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22
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Hay E, Pruszynski JA. Orientation processing by synaptic integration across first-order tactile neurons. PLoS Comput Biol 2020; 16:e1008303. [PMID: 33264287 PMCID: PMC7710081 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1008303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Our ability to manipulate objects relies on tactile inputs from first-order tactile neurons that innervate the glabrous skin of the hand. The distal axon of these neurons branches in the skin and innervates many mechanoreceptors, yielding spatially-complex receptive fields. Here we show that synaptic integration across the complex signals from the first-order neuronal population could underlie human ability to accurately (< 3°) and rapidly process the orientation of edges moving across the fingertip. We first derive spiking models of human first-order tactile neurons that fit and predict responses to moving edges with high accuracy. We then use the model neurons in simulating the peripheral neuronal population that innervates a fingertip. We train classifiers performing synaptic integration across the neuronal population activity, and show that synaptic integration across first-order neurons can process edge orientations with high acuity and speed. In particular, our models suggest that integration of fast-decaying (AMPA-like) synaptic inputs within short timescales is critical for discriminating fine orientations, whereas integration of slow-decaying (NMDA-like) synaptic inputs supports discrimination of coarser orientations and maintains robustness over longer timescales. Taken together, our results provide new insight into the computations occurring in the earliest stages of the human tactile processing pathway and how they may be critical for supporting hand function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etay Hay
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London, Canada
- Brain and Mind Institute, Western University, London, Canada
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Canada
| | - J. Andrew Pruszynski
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London, Canada
- Brain and Mind Institute, Western University, London, Canada
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Canada
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23
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He C, Deng X, Pan Y, Tong S, Kang J, Li J, Qiu P, Wang K. 3-photon microscopy of myelin in mouse digital skin excited at the 1700-nm window. JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS 2020; 13:e202000321. [PMID: 32969170 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.202000321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Myelin is a key component of the peripheral nervous system, whose structure anomaly in the digital skin is implicated in neuropathy. Here we demonstrate an in vivo labeling and imaging technique, capable of visualizing myelin sheaths deep in the mouse digital skin. Through material characterization, we verify that 3-photon fluorescence (3PF) can be generated from a commonly used dye- FluoroMyelin Red for labeling myelin, excited at the 1700-nm window. Topical injection of FluoroMyelin Red in the mouse digit leads to bright labeling of myelin sheaths. Harnessing the deep-penetration capability of 3-photon microscopy excited at the 1700-nm window, we demonstrate that 3PF imaging of FluoroMyelin Red-labeled myelin sheaths in the mouse digit in vivo can be achieved to a depth 340 μm below the skin surface, revealing both branching bundle of and individual myelin sheaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen He
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiangquan Deng
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yi Pan
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shen Tong
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jiayu Kang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jia Li
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ping Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ke Wang
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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24
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Corniani G, Saal HP. Tactile innervation densities across the whole body. J Neurophysiol 2020; 124:1229-1240. [DOI: 10.1152/jn.00313.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The skin is our largest sensory organ and innervated by afferent fibers carrying tactile information to the spinal cord and onto the brain. The density with which different classes of tactile afferents innervate the skin is not constant but varies considerably across different body regions. However, precise estimates of innervation density are only available for some body parts, such as the hands, and estimates of the total number of tactile afferent fibers are inconsistent and incomplete. Here we reconcile different estimates and provide plausible ranges and best estimates for the number of different tactile fiber types innervating different regions of the skin, using evidence from dorsal root fiber counts, microneurography, histology, and psychophysics. We estimate that the skin across the whole body of young adults is innervated by ∼230,000 tactile afferent fibers (plausible range: 200,000–270,000), with a subsequent decrement of 5–8% every decade due to aging. Fifteen percent of fibers innervate the palmar skin of both hands and 19% the region surrounding the face and lips. Slowly and fast-adapting fibers are split roughly evenly, but this breakdown varies with skin region. Innervation density correlates well with psychophysical spatial acuity across different body regions, and, additionally, on hairy skin, with hair follicle density. Innervation density is also weakly correlated with the size of the cortical somatotopic representation but cannot fully account for the magnification of the hands and the face.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Corniani
- Active Touch Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Sheffield Robotics, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Hannes P. Saal
- Active Touch Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Sheffield Robotics, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- INSIGNEO Institute for in silico Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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25
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Kim SH, Lee YH. Re-evaluation of the distribution of Meissner's corpuscles in human skin. Anat Cell Biol 2020; 53:325-329. [PMID: 32647077 PMCID: PMC7527120 DOI: 10.5115/acb.20.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Meissner’s corpuscles are generally considered to be located in the dermal papilla of hairless skin on the fingers, toes, palms, soles, lips, eyelids, nipples, and genital organs. We used hematoxylin and eosin staining to examine the distribution of Meissner’s corpuscles in skin tissues of the fingertips, palms, lips, nipples, and labia majora and minora obtained from cadavers. Many Meissner’s corpuscles were observed in the dermal papilla of the fingertips, whereas the palms had only 20% as many. Meissner’s corpuscles were rare in the lips, nipples, and external genital organs, which have relatively high two-point discrimination. Because Meissner’s corpuscles are rapidly adapting mechanoreceptors, they may quickly detect changes in tactile sensation, including two-point discrimination, in the movable glabrous skin. In conclusion, Meissner’s corpuscles might be rare in non-movable glabrous skin compared to the fingertips and palms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Hyun Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Graduate School, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Young Ho Lee
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
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26
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Nolano M, Provitera V. Vascular bed and nerve vessels in the skin biopsy: Beyond intraepidermal nerve fibers. Muscle Nerve 2020; 62:427-429. [PMID: 32657423 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Nolano
- Scientific Institute for Research and Health Care - IRCCS, Maugeri Scientific Clinical Institutes, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Provitera
- Scientific Institute for Research and Health Care - IRCCS, Maugeri Scientific Clinical Institutes, Pavia, Italy
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27
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Bartsch KM, Schleip R, Zullo A, Hoppe K, Klingler W. The Stiffness Comparison Test: A pilot study to determine inter-individual differences in palpatory skill related to gender, age, and occupation-related experience. J Bodyw Mov Ther 2020; 24:1-6. [PMID: 33218495 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2020.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Manual palpation is a core skill in physical examination. Assessing elastic properties such as tissue stiffness has the potential for being an important diagnostics tool in the detection of cancer and other diseases. OBJECTIVE The study describes the newly developed Stiffness Comparison Test (SCT). The aim of our study was to test the SCT as a tool to detect interindividual differences in palpation skill related to gender, age and occupational experience. METHODS We used eight pairs of polyuterhane gel pads with the stiffness difference decreasing from the first to the last pair. Test subjects were asked to palpate each pair and determine stiffness differences. PARTICIPANTS We recruited 25 osteopaths, 48 other manual therapists and 50 participants from other non-manual professions. RESULTS As hypothesized there was no significant difference in SCT performance between the sexes (t(121) = 0.288, p = .774). To investigate if an age-related decline would have an effect on palpation skill, we carried out a linear regression. As hypothesized, the model did not predict any significant associations (F(1, 121) = 2.733, b = -0.149, p = .101, R2 = 0.022). To compare the effect of occupational groups on SCT performance a one-way ANOVA was conducted. There were no statistically significant differences between group means (F(2, 120) = 0.598, p = .552). CONCLUSIONS The SCT can be used as simple and affordable tool for assessment, teaching and training in all disciplines of manual medicine. Further refinements of the tool are suggested to advance its discrimination power.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Martina Bartsch
- Verein zur Förderung der Faszienforschung e.V., Munich, Germany; Department of Sport Science and Sports, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany.
| | - Robert Schleip
- Experimental Anaesthesiology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany; Department of Sports Medicine and Health Promotion, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany; Fascia Research Group, Experimental Anesthesiology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany; Diploma University of Applied Sciences, Bad Sooden-Allendorf, Germany; Conservative and Rehabilitative Orthopedics, Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Germany.
| | - Alberto Zullo
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy.
| | - Kerstin Hoppe
- Department of Anaesthesia, Critical Care Medicine and Pain Therapy, University of Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - Werner Klingler
- Experimental Anaesthesiology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany; SRH Hospital, Sigmaringen, Germany; Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia; Conservative and Rehabilitative Orthopedics, Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Germany.
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28
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Minota K, Schmeichel AM, Gehrking JA, Mandrekar JN, Low PA, Singer W. Refined Quantitation of Sweat Gland Innervation. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2020; 78:453-459. [PMID: 30861073 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlz015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin biopsies have gained increasing popularity as a tool to evaluate disorders affecting small nerve fibers. While reports on sweat gland nerve fiber density (SGNFD) to quantitate sudomotor innervation have been promising, methodologies vary significantly. Although conventional stereology is commonly used, no standard technique has been established. We sought to develop an accurate and reproducible technique to quantify SGNFD. Skin punch biopsies from healthy individuals were cut and stained. Images of sweat glands (SGs) were acquired using confocal and widefield microscopes, and optimized using deconvolution. Nerve fibers were reconstructed and nerve fiber length (NFL) was quantified using three-dimensional (3D) automated software. SGNFD was obtained by dividing NFL by SG volume. SGNFD was also assessed using stereology for comparison. Ninety-two SGs from 10 healthy subjects were analyzed by independent observers. Using confocal microscopy, the software reliably traced nerve fibers. In contrast, rendering of nerve fibers was inferior using widefield microscopy. Interobserver reliability was suboptimal using widefield images compared to confocal (ICC = 0.82 vs ICC = 0.98). Correlation between 3D-reconstruction and stereology was poor (ICC = 0.38). The newly developed technique of SGNFD quantitation using 3D reconstruction of SG innervation with confocal microscopy reliably traces nerve fibers, shows outstanding reproducibility, is almost completely unbiased, and superior to conventional stereology methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Minota
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (KM, AMS, JAG, JNM, PAL, WS)
| | - Ann M Schmeichel
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (KM, AMS, JAG, JNM, PAL, WS)
| | - Jade A Gehrking
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (KM, AMS, JAG, JNM, PAL, WS)
| | - Jay N Mandrekar
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (KM, AMS, JAG, JNM, PAL, WS)
| | - Phillip A Low
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (KM, AMS, JAG, JNM, PAL, WS)
| | - Wolfgang Singer
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (KM, AMS, JAG, JNM, PAL, WS)
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29
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Provitera V, Piscosquito G, Manganelli F, Mozzillo S, Caporaso G, Stancanelli A, Borreca I, Di Caprio G, Santoro L, Nolano M. A Model to Study Myelinated Fiber Degeneration and Regeneration in Human Skin. Ann Neurol 2020; 87:456-465. [PMID: 31849107 DOI: 10.1002/ana.25662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe morphological changes associated with degeneration and regeneration of large fibers in the skin using a model of chronic compression of the median nerve. METHODS We studied cutaneous innervation in 30 patients with chronic compression of the median nerve at the wrist. Before surgery, we assessed the symptom severity and performed neurography, quantitative sensory testing, and analysis of nerve morphology and morphometry in skin biopsies from the third digit fingertip. Fifteen patients repeated all tests 12 months after the surgery. Thirty age- and sex-matched healthy subjects were included in the study. RESULTS Clinical and neurophysiological basal assessment showed a moderate involvement of the median nerve. Quantitative sensory testing showed abnormal findings. The density of intraepidermal nerve fibers and intrapapillary myelinated endings was reduced. Myelinated fibers showed caliber reduction and nodal elongation. Meissner corpuscles had normal density but were located deeper in the dermis and their capsule appeared partially empty. During follow-up, patients exhibited a positive clinical and neurophysiological outcome. Quantitative sensory testing improved. Intraepidermal nerve fibers and intrapapillary myelinated endings remained unchanged, but the caliber of intrapapillary myelinated endings was increased. The neural component of the Meissner corpuscle filled the capsule of the mechanoreceptors that remained deeper in the dermis. The position of vasoactive intestinal peptide-immunoreactive fibers was more superficial compared to the basal assessment and controls. INTERPRETATION We recognized and quantified the pathological changes associated with nerve degeneration and regeneration in skin and proposed new parameters that may increase the diagnostic yield of skin biopsy in clinical practice. Ann Neurol 2020;87:456-465.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Provitera
- Scientific Institute for Research and Health Care - IRCCS, Maugeri Scientific Clinical Institutes, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Piscosquito
- Scientific Institute for Research and Health Care - IRCCS, Maugeri Scientific Clinical Institutes, Pavia, Italy
| | - Fiore Manganelli
- Department of Neuroscience and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Mozzillo
- Scientific Institute for Research and Health Care - IRCCS, Maugeri Scientific Clinical Institutes, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Caporaso
- Scientific Institute for Research and Health Care - IRCCS, Maugeri Scientific Clinical Institutes, Pavia, Italy
| | - Annamaria Stancanelli
- Scientific Institute for Research and Health Care - IRCCS, Maugeri Scientific Clinical Institutes, Pavia, Italy
| | - Ilaria Borreca
- Scientific Institute for Research and Health Care - IRCCS, Maugeri Scientific Clinical Institutes, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Di Caprio
- Scientific Institute for Research and Health Care - IRCCS, Maugeri Scientific Clinical Institutes, Pavia, Italy
| | - Lucio Santoro
- Department of Neuroscience and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Nolano
- Scientific Institute for Research and Health Care - IRCCS, Maugeri Scientific Clinical Institutes, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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30
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Delhaye BP, Long KH, Bensmaia SJ. Neural Basis of Touch and Proprioception in Primate Cortex. Compr Physiol 2018; 8:1575-1602. [PMID: 30215864 PMCID: PMC6330897 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c170033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The sense of proprioception allows us to keep track of our limb posture and movements and the sense of touch provides us with information about objects with which we come into contact. In both senses, mechanoreceptors convert the deformation of tissues-skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, or joints-into neural signals. Tactile and proprioceptive signals are then relayed by the peripheral nerves to the central nervous system, where they are processed to give rise to percepts of objects and of the state of our body. In this review, we first examine briefly the receptors that mediate touch and proprioception, their associated nerve fibers, and pathways they follow to the cerebral cortex. We then provide an overview of the different cortical areas that process tactile and proprioceptive information. Next, we discuss how various features of objects-their shape, motion, and texture, for example-are encoded in the various cortical fields, and the susceptibility of these neural codes to attention and other forms of higher-order modulation. Finally, we summarize recent efforts to restore the senses of touch and proprioception by electrically stimulating somatosensory cortex. © 2018 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 8:1575-1602, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit P Delhaye
- Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Katie H Long
- Committee on Computational Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Sliman J Bensmaia
- Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA.,Committee on Computational Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
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31
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Zhao CW, Daley MJ, Pruszynski JA. Neural network models of the tactile system develop first-order units with spatially complex receptive fields. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0199196. [PMID: 29902277 PMCID: PMC6002100 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
First-order tactile neurons have spatially complex receptive fields. Here we use machine-learning tools to show that such complexity arises for a wide range of training sets and network architectures. Moreover, we demonstrate that this complexity benefits network performance, especially on more difficult tasks and in the presence of noise. Our work suggests that spatially complex receptive fields are normatively good given the biological constraints of the tactile periphery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlie W. Zhao
- Dept. of Computer Science, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Mark J. Daley
- Dept. of Computer Science, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Dept. of Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Dept. of Actuarial Sciences and Statistics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Vector Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Brain and Mind Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - J. Andrew Pruszynski
- Dept. of Computer Science, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Brain and Mind Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Dept. of Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Dept. of Psychology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Dept. of Integrative Medical Biology, Umea University, Umea, Sweden
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32
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Ren Y, Liu W, Li Y, Sun B, Li Y, Yang F, Wang H, Li M, Cui F, Huang X. Cutaneous somatic and autonomic nerve TDP-43 deposition in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurol 2018; 265:1753-1763. [PMID: 29804146 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-018-8897-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the involvement of the sensory and autonomic nervous system in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and to determine whether TDP-43/pTDP-43 deposits in skin nerve fibers signify a valuable biomarker for ALS. METHODS Eighteen patients with ALS and 18 age- and sex-matched control subjects underwent physical examinations, in addition to donating skin biopsies from the distal leg. The density of epidermal, Meissner's corpuscle (MC), sudomotor, and pilomotor nerve fibers were measured. Confocal microscopy was used to determine the cutaneous somatic and autonomic nerve fiber density and TDP-43/pTDP-43 deposition. RESULTS Intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) was reduced in individuals with ALS (P < 0.001). MC density (MCD) (P = 0.001), sweat gland nerve fiber density (SGNFD) (P < 0.001), and pilomotor nerve fiber density (PNFD) (P < 0.001) were all reduced in ALS patients. The SGNFD correlated with the small-fiber neuropathy Symptoms Inventory Questionnaire (SFN-SIQ), VAS and age. The SFN-SIQ was higher in ALS with sensory symptoms than without sensory symptoms (P = 0.000). Furthermore, the SFN-SIQ was higher in ALS with autonomic symptoms than without autonomic symptoms (P = 0.002). SFN-SIQ was higher in ALS patients that were pTDP-43 positive than pTDP-43 negative (P = 0.04), respectively. CONCLUSIONS We established in the peripheral nervous system that higher SFN-SIQ and VAS was involved in ALS, indicating the loss of SGNF. The deposition of TDP-43/pTDP-43 in ALS nerve fibers may indicate an important role in the underlying pathogenesis of ALS. This observation might be used as a potential biomarker for diagnosing ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Ren
- Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenxiu Liu
- Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Yifan Li
- Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Bo Sun
- Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Yanran Li
- Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Fei Yang
- Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Hongfen Wang
- Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Mao Li
- Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Fang Cui
- Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Xusheng Huang
- Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China.
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33
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Mechanisms of tactile sensory deterioration amongst the elderly. Sci Rep 2018; 8:5303. [PMID: 29674633 PMCID: PMC5908919 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23688-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
It is known that roughness-smoothness, hardness-softness, stickiness-slipperiness and warm-cold are predominant perceptual dimensions in macro-, micro- and nano- texture perception. However, it is not clear to what extent active tactile texture discrimination remains intact with age. The general decrease in tactile ability induces physical and emotional dysfunction in elderly, and has increasing significance for an aging population. We report a method to quantify tactile acuity based on blinded active exploration of systematically varying micro-textured surfaces and a same-different paradigm. It reveals that elderly participants show significantly reduced fine texture discrimination ability. The elderly group also displays statistically lower finger friction coefficient, moisture and elasticity, suggesting a link. However, a subpopulation of the elderly retains discrimination ability irrespective of cutaneous condition and this can be related to a higher density of somatosensory receptors on the finger pads. Skin tribology is thus not the primary reason for decline of tactile discrimination with age. The remediation of cutaneous properties through rehydration, however leads to a significantly improved tactile acuity. This indicates unambiguously that neurological tactile loss can be temporarily compensated by restoring the cutaneous contact mechanics. Such mechanical restoration of tactile ability has the potential to increase the quality of life in elderly.
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Pruszynski JA, Flanagan JR, Johansson RS. Fast and accurate edge orientation processing during object manipulation. eLife 2018; 7:31200. [PMID: 29611804 PMCID: PMC5922971 DOI: 10.7554/elife.31200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Quickly and accurately extracting information about a touched object’s orientation is a critical aspect of dexterous object manipulation. However, the speed and acuity of tactile edge orientation processing with respect to the fingertips as reported in previous perceptual studies appear inadequate in these respects. Here we directly establish the tactile system’s capacity to process edge-orientation information during dexterous manipulation. Participants extracted tactile information about edge orientation very quickly, using it within 200 ms of first touching the object. Participants were also strikingly accurate. With edges spanning the entire fingertip, edge-orientation resolution was better than 3° in our object manipulation task, which is several times better than reported in previous perceptual studies. Performance remained impressive even with edges as short as 2 mm, consistent with our ability to precisely manipulate very small objects. Taken together, our results radically redefine the spatial processing capacity of the tactile system. Putting on a necklace requires using your fingertips to hold open a clasp, which you then insert into a small ring. For you to do this, your nervous system must first work out which way the clasp and the ring are facing relative to one another. It then uses that information to coordinate the movements of your fingertips. If you fasten the necklace behind your head, your nervous system must perform these tasks without information from your eyes. Instead, it must use the way in which the edges of the clasp and the ring indent the skin on your fingertips to work out their orientation. Earlier studies have examined this process by asking healthy volunteers to judge the orientation of objects – or more precisely edges – that an experimenter has pressed against their fingertips. But people perform worse than expected on this task given their manual dexterity. Pruszynski et al. wondered whether the task might underestimate the abilities of the volunteers because it involves passively perceiving objects, rather than actively manipulating them. To test this idea, Pruszynski et al. designed a new experiment. Healthy volunteers were asked to use a fingertip to rotate a pointer on a dial to a target location. The participants could not see the dial, and so they had to use touch alone to determine which way the pointer was facing. They performed the task faster and more accurately than volunteers in the earlier passive experiments. Indeed, when the pointer was longer than a fingertip, the volunteers performed almost as well using touch alone as when allowed to look at the dial. Speed and accuracy remained impressive even when the pointer was only 2mm long. The results of Pruszynski et al. show that we judge orientation more accurately when we manipulate objects than when we passively perceive them. In other words, we do better when we perform tasks in which being aware of orientation is vital. The results also suggest that the nervous system processes sensory information in different ways when it uses sensations to help control objects as opposed to just perceiving them. This could influence the development of new technology that aims to use brain activity to control computers or robotic limbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Andrew Pruszynski
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Western University, London, Canada.,Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Canada.,Brain and Mind Institute, Western University, London, Canada.,Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umea University, Umea, Sweden
| | - J Randall Flanagan
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Roland S Johansson
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umea University, Umea, Sweden
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35
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Abstract
The human skin is richly innervated by nerve fibers of different calibers and functions, including thickly myelinated large fibers that act as afferents for mechanoreceptors in the dermal papillae. Skin biopsies offer minimally invasive access to these myelinated fibers, in which each internode represents an individual myelinating Schwann cell. Using this approach, human myelinated nerve fibers can be analyzed by several methods, including immunostaining, morphometric and ultrastructural analysis, and molecular biology techniques. This analysis can reveal important aspects of human Schwann cell biology in health and disease, such as in the case of demyelinating neuropathies. This technique has revealed Schwann cell phenotypes in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1 and acquired inflammatory neuropathies.
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Tymms C, Zorin D, Gardner EP. Tactile perception of the roughness of 3D-printed textures. J Neurophysiol 2017; 119:862-876. [PMID: 29167326 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00564.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Surface roughness is one of the most important qualities in haptic perception. Roughness is a major identifier for judgments of material composition, comfort, and friction and is tied closely to manual dexterity. Some attention has been given to the study of roughness perception in the past, but it has typically focused on noncontrollable natural materials or on a narrow range of artificial materials. The advent of high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) printing technology provides the ability to fabricate arbitrary 3D textures with precise surface geometry to be used in tactile studies. We used parametric modeling and 3D printing to manufacture a set of textured plates with defined element spacing, shape, and arrangement. Using active touch and two-alternative forced-choice protocols, we investigated the contributions of these surface parameters to roughness perception in human subjects. Results indicate that large spatial periods produce higher estimations of roughness (with Weber fraction = 0.19), small texture elements are perceived as rougher than large texture elements of the same wavelength, perceptual differences exist between textures with the same spacing but different arrangements, and roughness equivalencies exist between textures differing along different parameters. We posit that papillary ridges serve as tactile processing units, and neural ensembles encode the spatial profiles of the texture contact area to produce roughness estimates. The stimuli and the manufacturing process may be used in further studies of tactile roughness perception and in related neurophysiological applications. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Surface roughness is an integral quality of texture perception. We manufactured textures using high-resolution 3D printing, which allows precise specification of the surface spatial topography. In human psychophysical experiments we investigated the contributions of specific surface parameters to roughness perception. We found that textures with large spatial periods, small texture elements, and irregular, isotropic arrangements elicit the highest estimations of roughness. We propose that roughness correlates inversely with the total contacted surface area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Tymms
- Department of Computer Science, New York University , New York, New York
| | - Denis Zorin
- Department of Computer Science, New York University , New York, New York
| | - Esther P Gardner
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology and NYU Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine , New York, New York
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Won SY, Kim HK, Kim ME, Kim KS. Two-point discrimination values vary depending on test site, sex and test modality in the orofacial region: a preliminary study. J Appl Oral Sci 2017; 25:427-435. [PMID: 28877282 PMCID: PMC5595116 DOI: 10.1590/1678-7757-2016-0462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The aims of the present study were to determine the normal values of TPD in the six trigeminal sites (the forehead, cheek, mentum, upper lip, lower lip, and the tongue tip) and to investigate the effect of the site, sex, and test modality on the TPD perception. Material and Methods Forty healthy volunteers consisting of age-matched men (20) and women (20) with a mean age of 27.1 years were recruited. One examiner performed the TPD test using a simple hand-operated device, i.e., by drawing compass with a blunt or sharp-pointed tip. The static TPD with a blunt-pointed tip (STPDB), moving TPD with a blunt-pointed tip (MTPDB), and static TPD with a sharp-pointed tip (STPDS) were measured. The predictors were the site, sex, and test modality, and the outcome variable was the TPD value. Three-way ANOVA was used for statistics. Results The analysis showed a significant effect of the site, sex and test modality on the TPD values. Significant differences between the test sites were observed with the descending order from the forehead and cheek>mentum>upper lip and lower lip>tongue tip and index finger. Women showed lower TPD values than those of men. The STPDS measurements were consistently lower than those of the STPDB and MTPDB. Conclusions The normal values of TPD in this study suggest that the cheek and forehead were less sensitive than other regions evaluated and women were more sensitive than men. The STPDS was the most sensitive test modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Yeun Won
- Department of Oral Medicine, Dankook University College of Dentistry, Cheonan, South Korea
| | - Hye-Kyoung Kim
- Department of Oral Medicine, Dankook University College of Dentistry, Cheonan, South Korea
| | - Mee-Eun Kim
- Department of Oral Medicine, Dankook University College of Dentistry, Cheonan, South Korea
| | - Ki-Suk Kim
- Department of Oral Medicine, Dankook University College of Dentistry, Cheonan, South Korea
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Puonti HK, Broth TA, Soinila SO, Hallikainen HK, Jääskeläinen SK. How to Assess Sensory Recovery After Breast Reconstruction Surgery? Clin Breast Cancer 2017; 17:471-485. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clbc.2017.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2016] [Revised: 04/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/23/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Bechakra M, Schüttenhelm BN, Pederzani T, van Doorn PA, de Zeeuw CI, Jongen JLM. The reduction of intraepidermal P2X 3 nerve fiber density correlates with behavioral hyperalgesia in a rat model of nerve injury-induced pain. J Comp Neurol 2017; 525:3757-3768. [PMID: 28815599 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2017] [Revised: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Skin biopsies from patients with neuropathic pain often show changes in epidermal innervation, although it remains to be elucidated to what extent such changes can be linked to a particular subgroup of nerve fibers and how these changes are correlated with pain intensity. Here, we investigated to what extent behavioral signs of hyperalgesia are correlated with immunohistochemical changes of peptidergic and non-peptidergic epidermal nerve fibers in a rat model of nerve injury-induced pain. Rats subjected to unilateral partial ligation of the sciatic nerve developed significant mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia as tested by the withdrawal responses of the ipsilateral footpad to von Frey hairs and hotplate stimulation. At day 14, epidermal nerve fiber density and total epidermal nerve fiber length/mm2 were significantly and consistently reduced compared to the contralateral side, following testing and re-testing by two blinded observers. The expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide, a marker for peptidergic nerve fibers, was not significantly changed on the ipsilateral side. In contrast, the expression of the P2X3 receptor, a marker for non-peptidergic nerve fibers, was not only significantly reduced but could also be correlated with behavioral hyperalgesia. When labeling both peptidergic and non-peptidergic nerve fibers with the pan-neuronal marker PGP9.5, the expression was significantly reduced, albeit without a significant correlation with behavioral hyperalgesia. In conjunction, our data suggest that the pathology of the P2X3 epidermal nerve fibers can be selectively linked to neuropathy, highlighting the possibility that it is the degeneration of these fibers that drives hyperalgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malik Bechakra
- Department of Neurology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Chris I de Zeeuw
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy for Arts & Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Nolano M, Provitera V, Manganelli F, Iodice R, Stancanelli A, Caporaso G, Saltalamacchia A, Califano F, Lanzillo B, Picillo M, Barone P, Santoro L. Loss of cutaneous large and small fibers in naive and l-dopa-treated PD patients. Neurology 2017; 89:776-784. [PMID: 28747449 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000004274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study small and large fiber pathology in drug-naive and l-dopa-treated patients affected by Parkinson disease (PD) in early phases, before the occurrence of neuropathic electrophysiologic abnormalities. METHODS We enrolled 85 patients with idiopathic PD (male/female 49/36, age 61.3 ± 9.7 years) without electrophysiologic signs of neuropathy, including 48 participants naive to l-dopa treatment. All patients underwent clinical, functional, and morphologic assessment of sensory and autonomic nerves through dedicated questionnaires, quantitative sensory testing, sympathetic skin response, dynamic sweat test, and punch biopsies from glabrous and hairy skin. Sensory and autonomic innervation was visualized with specific antibodies and analyzed by confocal microscopy. Data were compared with those obtained from sex- and age-comparable healthy controls. In 35 patients, skin biopsies were performed bilaterally to evaluate side-to-side differences. RESULTS Intraepidermal nerve fiber density was lower in patients compared to controls in all the examined sites (p < 0.001). The loss was higher in the more affected side (p < 0.01). A loss of autonomic nerves to vessels, sweat glands, and arrector pili muscles and of Meissner corpuscles and their myelinated endings in glabrous skin was found (p < 0.001). Patients showed increased tactile and thermal thresholds, impairment of mechanical pain perception, and reduced sweat output (p < 0.001). The naive and l-dopa-treated groups differed only for Meissner corpuscle density (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Both large and small fiber pathology occurs in the early stages of PD and may account for the sensory and autonomic impairment. l-Dopa affects the 2 populations of fibers differently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Nolano
- From the Neurology Department (M.N., V.P., A.S., G.C., A.S., F.C., B.L.), Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri SpA Società Benefit, IRCCS Telese Terme, Benevento; Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology (F.M., R.I., L.S.), University Federico II of Naples; and Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (M.P., P.B.), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Neuroscience Section, University of Salerno, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Provitera
- From the Neurology Department (M.N., V.P., A.S., G.C., A.S., F.C., B.L.), Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri SpA Società Benefit, IRCCS Telese Terme, Benevento; Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology (F.M., R.I., L.S.), University Federico II of Naples; and Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (M.P., P.B.), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Neuroscience Section, University of Salerno, Italy
| | - Fiore Manganelli
- From the Neurology Department (M.N., V.P., A.S., G.C., A.S., F.C., B.L.), Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri SpA Società Benefit, IRCCS Telese Terme, Benevento; Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology (F.M., R.I., L.S.), University Federico II of Naples; and Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (M.P., P.B.), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Neuroscience Section, University of Salerno, Italy
| | - Rosa Iodice
- From the Neurology Department (M.N., V.P., A.S., G.C., A.S., F.C., B.L.), Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri SpA Società Benefit, IRCCS Telese Terme, Benevento; Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology (F.M., R.I., L.S.), University Federico II of Naples; and Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (M.P., P.B.), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Neuroscience Section, University of Salerno, Italy
| | - Annamaria Stancanelli
- From the Neurology Department (M.N., V.P., A.S., G.C., A.S., F.C., B.L.), Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri SpA Società Benefit, IRCCS Telese Terme, Benevento; Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology (F.M., R.I., L.S.), University Federico II of Naples; and Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (M.P., P.B.), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Neuroscience Section, University of Salerno, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Caporaso
- From the Neurology Department (M.N., V.P., A.S., G.C., A.S., F.C., B.L.), Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri SpA Società Benefit, IRCCS Telese Terme, Benevento; Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology (F.M., R.I., L.S.), University Federico II of Naples; and Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (M.P., P.B.), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Neuroscience Section, University of Salerno, Italy
| | - Annamaria Saltalamacchia
- From the Neurology Department (M.N., V.P., A.S., G.C., A.S., F.C., B.L.), Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri SpA Società Benefit, IRCCS Telese Terme, Benevento; Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology (F.M., R.I., L.S.), University Federico II of Naples; and Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (M.P., P.B.), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Neuroscience Section, University of Salerno, Italy
| | - Francesca Califano
- From the Neurology Department (M.N., V.P., A.S., G.C., A.S., F.C., B.L.), Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri SpA Società Benefit, IRCCS Telese Terme, Benevento; Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology (F.M., R.I., L.S.), University Federico II of Naples; and Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (M.P., P.B.), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Neuroscience Section, University of Salerno, Italy
| | - Bernardo Lanzillo
- From the Neurology Department (M.N., V.P., A.S., G.C., A.S., F.C., B.L.), Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri SpA Società Benefit, IRCCS Telese Terme, Benevento; Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology (F.M., R.I., L.S.), University Federico II of Naples; and Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (M.P., P.B.), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Neuroscience Section, University of Salerno, Italy
| | - Marina Picillo
- From the Neurology Department (M.N., V.P., A.S., G.C., A.S., F.C., B.L.), Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri SpA Società Benefit, IRCCS Telese Terme, Benevento; Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology (F.M., R.I., L.S.), University Federico II of Naples; and Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (M.P., P.B.), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Neuroscience Section, University of Salerno, Italy
| | - Paolo Barone
- From the Neurology Department (M.N., V.P., A.S., G.C., A.S., F.C., B.L.), Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri SpA Società Benefit, IRCCS Telese Terme, Benevento; Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology (F.M., R.I., L.S.), University Federico II of Naples; and Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (M.P., P.B.), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Neuroscience Section, University of Salerno, Italy
| | - Lucio Santoro
- From the Neurology Department (M.N., V.P., A.S., G.C., A.S., F.C., B.L.), Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri SpA Società Benefit, IRCCS Telese Terme, Benevento; Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology (F.M., R.I., L.S.), University Federico II of Naples; and Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (M.P., P.B.), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Neuroscience Section, University of Salerno, Italy
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Simulating tactile signals from the whole hand with millisecond precision. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E5693-E5702. [PMID: 28652360 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1704856114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
When we grasp and manipulate an object, populations of tactile nerve fibers become activated and convey information about the shape, size, and texture of the object and its motion across the skin. The response properties of tactile fibers have been extensively characterized in single-unit recordings, yielding important insights into how individual fibers encode tactile information. A recurring finding in this extensive body of work is that stimulus information is distributed over many fibers. However, our understanding of population-level representations remains primitive. To fill this gap, we have developed a model to simulate the responses of all tactile fibers innervating the glabrous skin of the hand to any spatiotemporal stimulus applied to the skin. The model first reconstructs the stresses experienced by mechanoreceptors when the skin is deformed and then simulates the spiking response that would be produced in the nerve fiber innervating that receptor. By simulating skin deformations across the palmar surface of the hand and tiling it with receptors at their known densities, we reconstruct the responses of entire populations of nerve fibers. We show that the simulated responses closely match their measured counterparts, down to the precise timing of the evoked spikes, across a wide variety of experimental conditions sampled from the literature. We then conduct three virtual experiments to illustrate how the simulation can provide powerful insights into population coding in touch. Finally, we discuss how the model provides a means to establish naturalistic artificial touch in bionic hands.
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Creigh PD, McDermott MP, Sowden JE, Ferguson M, Herrmann DN. In-vivo reflectance confocal microscopy of Meissner's corpuscles in diabetic distal symmetric polyneuropathy. J Neurol Sci 2017; 378:213-219. [PMID: 28566167 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2017.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate in-vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) of Meissner's corpuscles (MC) in diabetic distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSP). METHODS Forty-three adults with diabetes and 21 control subjects underwent RCM of MC density at the fingertip of digit V, thenar eminence (TE), and arch of the foot, ankle skin biopsy for epidermal nerve fiber density (ENFD), electrophysiological studies, monofilament threshold testing, and timed vibration at the toe. Subjects with diabetes were subdivided into groups with and without clinical DSP using the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) case definition and neuropathy outcomes were compared across groups. RESULTS Both diabetic groups (with and without AAN clinical DSP criteria) had objective evidence of peripheral sensory involvement using conventional sensory measures, although those with clinical DSP criteria had greater abnormalities. MC densities were lower in the entire diabetic group at the TE and digit V relative to controls. MC densities at all imaging sites were associated with corresponding conventional sensory measures. MC densities were reduced in subjects without AAN clinical DSP criteria at the TE and digit V compared to controls whereas conventional upper limb sensory measures did not differ between these groups. CONCLUSIONS In-vivo RCM of MC density at digit V is a non-invasive, painless, objective marker in diabetes that offers a window into early large fiber sensory nerve terminal loss. Further studies are needed to determine whether RCM of MCs can identify quantitative changes in DSP associated with disease progression or treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter D Creigh
- University of Rochester, Department of Neurology, United States.
| | - Michael P McDermott
- University of Rochester, Department of Neurology, United States; University of Rochester, Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, United States.
| | - Janet E Sowden
- University of Rochester, Department of Neurology, United States.
| | - Michele Ferguson
- University of Rochester, Department of Neurology, United States.
| | - David N Herrmann
- University of Rochester, Department of Neurology, United States.
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Weis J, Claeys KG, Roos A, Azzedine H, Katona I, Schröder JM, Senderek J. Towards a functional pathology of hereditary neuropathies. Acta Neuropathol 2017; 133:493-515. [PMID: 27896434 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-016-1645-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Revised: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A growing number of hereditary neuropathies have been assigned to causative gene defects in recent years. The study of human nerve biopsy samples has contributed substantially to the discovery of many of these neuropathy genes. Genotype-phenotype correlations based on peripheral nerve pathology have provided a comprehensive picture of the consequences of these mutations. Intriguingly, several gene defects lead to distinguishable lesion patterns that can be studied in nerve biopsies. These characteristic features include the loss of certain nerve fiber populations and a large spectrum of distinct structural changes of axons, Schwann cells and other components of peripheral nerves. In several instances the lesion patterns are directly or indirectly linked to the known functions of the mutated gene. The present review is designed to provide an overview on these characteristic patterns. It also considers other aspects important for the manifestation and pathology of hereditary neuropathies including the role of inflammation, effects of chemotherapeutic agents and alterations detectable in skin biopsies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Weis
- Institute of Neuropathology, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Kristl G Claeys
- Institute of Neuropathology, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven and University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Andreas Roos
- Institute of Neuropathology, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften-ISAS-e.V., Otto-Hahn-Str. 6b, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Hamid Azzedine
- Institute of Neuropathology, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Istvan Katona
- Institute of Neuropathology, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - J Michael Schröder
- Institute of Neuropathology, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jan Senderek
- Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Department of Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Ziemssenstr. 1a, 80336, Munich, Germany.
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Nolano M, Provitera V, Manganelli F, Iodice R, Caporaso G, Stancanelli A, Marinou K, Lanzillo B, Santoro L, Mora G. Non-motor involvement in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: new insight from nerve and vessel analysis in skin biopsy. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2016; 43:119-132. [DOI: 10.1111/nan.12332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Revised: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Nolano
- Neurology Department ‘Salvatore Maugeri’ Foundation; IRCCS, Institute of Telese Terme; Telese Terme (BN) Italy
| | - V. Provitera
- Neurology Department ‘Salvatore Maugeri’ Foundation; IRCCS, Institute of Telese Terme; Telese Terme (BN) Italy
| | - F. Manganelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences; University Federico II of Naples; Naples Italy
| | - R. Iodice
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences; University Federico II of Naples; Naples Italy
| | - G. Caporaso
- Neurology Department ‘Salvatore Maugeri’ Foundation; IRCCS, Institute of Telese Terme; Telese Terme (BN) Italy
| | - A. Stancanelli
- Neurology Department ‘Salvatore Maugeri’ Foundation; IRCCS, Institute of Telese Terme; Telese Terme (BN) Italy
| | - K. Marinou
- Neurology Department ‘Salvatore Maugeri’ Foundation; IRCCS, Institute of Milan; Milan Italy
| | - B. Lanzillo
- Neurology Department ‘Salvatore Maugeri’ Foundation; IRCCS, Institute of Telese Terme; Telese Terme (BN) Italy
| | - L. Santoro
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences; University Federico II of Naples; Naples Italy
| | - G. Mora
- Neurology Department ‘Salvatore Maugeri’ Foundation; IRCCS, Institute of Milan; Milan Italy
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Van Acker N, Ragé M, Sluydts E, Knaapen MWM, De Bie M, Timmers M, Fransen E, Duymelinck C, De Schepper S, Anand P, Meert T, Plaghki L, Cras P. Automated PGP9.5 immunofluorescence staining: a valuable tool in the assessment of small fiber neuropathy? BMC Res Notes 2016; 9:280. [PMID: 27215701 PMCID: PMC4878004 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-016-2085-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this study we explored the possibility of automating the PGP9.5 immunofluorescence staining assay for the diagnosis of small fiber neuropathy using skin punch biopsies. The laboratory developed test (LDT) was subjected to a validation strategy as required by good laboratory practice guidelines and compared to the well-established gold standard method approved by the European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS). To facilitate automation, the use of thinner sections. (16 µm) was evaluated. Biopsies from previously published studies were used. The aim was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the LDT compared to the gold standard. We focused on technical aspects to reach high-quality standardization of the PGP9.5 assay and finally evaluate its potential for use in large scale batch testing. RESULTS We first studied linear nerve fiber densities in skin of healthy volunteers to establish reference ranges, and compared our LDT using the modifications to the EFNS counting rule to the gold standard in visualizing and quantifying the epidermal nerve fiber network. As the LDT requires the use of 16 µm tissue sections, a higher incidence of intra-epidermal nerve fiber fragments and a lower incidence of secondary branches were detected. Nevertheless, the LDT showed excellent concordance with the gold standard method. Next, the diagnostic performance and yield of the LDT were explored and challenged to the gold standard using skin punch biopsies of capsaicin treated subjects, and patients with diabetic polyneuropathy. The LDT reached good agreement with the gold standard in identifying small fiber neuropathy. The reduction of section thickness from 50 to 16 µm resulted in a significantly lower visualization of the three-dimensional epidermal nerve fiber network, as expected. However, the diagnostic performance of the LDT was adequate as characterized by a sensitivity and specificity of 80 and 64 %, respectively. CONCLUSIONS This study, designed as a proof of principle, indicated that the LDT is an accurate, robust and automated assay, which adequately and reliably identifies patients presenting with small fiber neuropathy, and therefore has potential for use in large scale clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Van Acker
- />Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- />HistoGeneX NV, Pr J Charlottelaan 10, Berchem, 2600 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Michael Ragé
- />Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Mounier 53, B1.53.04, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ellen Sluydts
- />HistoGeneX NV, Pr J Charlottelaan 10, Berchem, 2600 Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Martine De Bie
- />HistoGeneX NV, Pr J Charlottelaan 10, Berchem, 2600 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Maarten Timmers
- />Janssen Research and Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
- />Reference Center for Biological Markers of Dementia (BIODEM), Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Erik Fransen
- />StatUa Center for Statistics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Carla Duymelinck
- />HistoGeneX NV, Pr J Charlottelaan 10, Berchem, 2600 Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Praveen Anand
- />Peripheral Neuropathy Unit, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0HS UK
| | - Theo Meert
- />Janssen Research and Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Léon Plaghki
- />Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Mounier 53, B1.53.04, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Patrick Cras
- />Department of Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, Born Bunge Institute, University of Antwerp, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
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Sawyer EK, Catania KC. Somatosensory organ topography across the star of the star-nosed mole (Condylura cristata). J Comp Neurol 2016; 524:917-29. [PMID: 26659700 PMCID: PMC4731273 DOI: 10.1002/cne.23943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Revised: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Quantifying somatosensory receptor distribution in glabrous skin is usually difficult because of the diversity of skin receptor subtypes and their location within the dermis and epidermis. However, the glabrous noses of moles are an exception. In most species of moles, the skin on the nose is covered with domed mechanosensory units known as an Eimer's organs. Eimer's organs contain a stereotyped array of different mechanosensory neurons, meaning that the distribution of mechanosensitive nerve endings can be inferred by visual inspection of the skin surface. Here we detail the distribution of Eimer's organs on the highly derived somatosensory star on the rostrum of the star-nosed mole (Condylura cristata). The star consists of 22 fleshy appendages, or rays, that are covered in Eimer's organs. We find that the density of Eimer's organs increases from proximal to distal locations along the length of the star's rays with a ratio of 1:2.3:3.1 from the surface nearest to the nostril, to the middle part of ray, to the ray tip, respectively. This ratio is comparable to the increase in receptor unit density reported for the human hand, from the palm, to the middle of the digits, to the distal fingertips. We also note that the tactile fovea of the star-nosed mole, located on the medial ventral ray, does not have increased sensory organ density, and we describe these findings in comparison with other sensory fovea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva K Sawyer
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, 37240
| | - Kenneth C Catania
- Department of Biological Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, 37232
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Chuquilin M, Alghalith Y, Fernandez KH. Neurocutaneous disease. J Am Acad Dermatol 2016; 74:197-212. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2015.04.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Revised: 04/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Persistent Peripheral Nervous System Damage in Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Macaques Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2016; 74:1053-60. [PMID: 26426267 DOI: 10.1097/nen.0000000000000249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-induced peripheral neuropathy is the most common neurologic complication associated with HIV infection. In addition to virus-mediated injury of the peripheral nervous system (PNS), treatment of HIV infection with combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) may induce toxic neuropathy as a side effect. Antiretroviral toxic neuropathy is clinically indistinguishable from the sensory neuropathy induced by HIV; in some patients, these 2 processes are likely superimposed. To study these intercurrent PNS disease processes, we first established a simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)/pigtailed macaque model in which more than 90% of animals developed PNS changes closely resembling those seen in HIV-infected individuals with distal sensory neuropathy. To determine whether cART alters the progression of SIV-induced PNS damage, dorsal root ganglia and epidermal nerve fibers were evaluated in SIV-infected macaques after long-term suppressive cART. Although cART effectively suppressed SIV replication and reduced macrophage activation in the dorsal root ganglia, PGP 9.5 immunostaining and measurements of epidermal nerve fibers in the plantar surface of the feet of treated SIV-infected macaques clearly showed that cART did not normalize epidermal nerve fiber density. These findings illustrate that significant PNS damage persists in SIV-infected macaques on suppressive cART.
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50
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Manganelli F, Nolano M, Pisciotta C, Provitera V, Fabrizi GM, Cavallaro T, Stancanelli A, Caporaso G, Shy ME, Santoro L. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease: New insights from skin biopsy. Neurology 2015; 85:1202-8. [PMID: 26362287 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000001993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate, by skin biopsy, dermal nerve fibers in 31 patients with 3 common Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) genotypes (CMT1A, late-onset CMT1B, and CMTX1), and rarer forms of CMT caused by mutations in RAB7 (CMT2B), TRPV4 (CMT2C), and GDAP1 (AR-CMT2K) genes. METHODS We investigated axonal loss by quantifying Meissner corpuscles and intrapapillary myelinated endings and evaluated morphometric changes in myelinated dermal nerve fibers by measuring fiber caliber, internodal, and nodal gap length. RESULTS The density of both Meissner corpuscles and intrapapillary myelinated endings was reduced in skin samples from patients with CMT1A and all the other CMT genotypes. Nodal gaps were larger in all the CMT genotypes though widening was greater in CMT1A. Perhaps an altered communication between axons and glia may be a common feature for multiple forms of CMT. Internodal lengths were shorter in all the CMT genotypes, and patients with CMT1A had the shortest internodes of all our patients. The uniformly shortened internodes in all the CMT genotypes suggest that mutations in both myelin and axon genes may developmentally impede internode formation. The extent of internodal shortening and nodal gap widening are likely both important in determining nerve conduction velocities in CMT. CONCLUSIONS This study extends the information gained from skin biopsies on morphologic abnormalities in various forms of CMT and provides insights into potential pathomechanisms of axonal and demyelinating CMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiore Manganelli
- From the Departments of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences, and Odontostomatology (F.M., C.P., L.S.), University Federico II of Naples; Neurology Division (M.N., V.P., A.S., G.C.), "Salvatore Maugeri" Foundation, Institute of Telese Terme; the Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences, University of Verona (G.M.F.), and the Department of Neurosciences, AOUI Verona (T.C.), University Hospital G.B. Rossi, Verona, Italy; and the Department of Neurology (M.E.S.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City
| | - Maria Nolano
- From the Departments of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences, and Odontostomatology (F.M., C.P., L.S.), University Federico II of Naples; Neurology Division (M.N., V.P., A.S., G.C.), "Salvatore Maugeri" Foundation, Institute of Telese Terme; the Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences, University of Verona (G.M.F.), and the Department of Neurosciences, AOUI Verona (T.C.), University Hospital G.B. Rossi, Verona, Italy; and the Department of Neurology (M.E.S.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City
| | - Chiara Pisciotta
- From the Departments of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences, and Odontostomatology (F.M., C.P., L.S.), University Federico II of Naples; Neurology Division (M.N., V.P., A.S., G.C.), "Salvatore Maugeri" Foundation, Institute of Telese Terme; the Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences, University of Verona (G.M.F.), and the Department of Neurosciences, AOUI Verona (T.C.), University Hospital G.B. Rossi, Verona, Italy; and the Department of Neurology (M.E.S.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City
| | - Vincenzo Provitera
- From the Departments of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences, and Odontostomatology (F.M., C.P., L.S.), University Federico II of Naples; Neurology Division (M.N., V.P., A.S., G.C.), "Salvatore Maugeri" Foundation, Institute of Telese Terme; the Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences, University of Verona (G.M.F.), and the Department of Neurosciences, AOUI Verona (T.C.), University Hospital G.B. Rossi, Verona, Italy; and the Department of Neurology (M.E.S.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City
| | - Gian M Fabrizi
- From the Departments of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences, and Odontostomatology (F.M., C.P., L.S.), University Federico II of Naples; Neurology Division (M.N., V.P., A.S., G.C.), "Salvatore Maugeri" Foundation, Institute of Telese Terme; the Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences, University of Verona (G.M.F.), and the Department of Neurosciences, AOUI Verona (T.C.), University Hospital G.B. Rossi, Verona, Italy; and the Department of Neurology (M.E.S.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City
| | - Tiziana Cavallaro
- From the Departments of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences, and Odontostomatology (F.M., C.P., L.S.), University Federico II of Naples; Neurology Division (M.N., V.P., A.S., G.C.), "Salvatore Maugeri" Foundation, Institute of Telese Terme; the Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences, University of Verona (G.M.F.), and the Department of Neurosciences, AOUI Verona (T.C.), University Hospital G.B. Rossi, Verona, Italy; and the Department of Neurology (M.E.S.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City
| | - Annamaria Stancanelli
- From the Departments of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences, and Odontostomatology (F.M., C.P., L.S.), University Federico II of Naples; Neurology Division (M.N., V.P., A.S., G.C.), "Salvatore Maugeri" Foundation, Institute of Telese Terme; the Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences, University of Verona (G.M.F.), and the Department of Neurosciences, AOUI Verona (T.C.), University Hospital G.B. Rossi, Verona, Italy; and the Department of Neurology (M.E.S.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City
| | - Giuseppe Caporaso
- From the Departments of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences, and Odontostomatology (F.M., C.P., L.S.), University Federico II of Naples; Neurology Division (M.N., V.P., A.S., G.C.), "Salvatore Maugeri" Foundation, Institute of Telese Terme; the Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences, University of Verona (G.M.F.), and the Department of Neurosciences, AOUI Verona (T.C.), University Hospital G.B. Rossi, Verona, Italy; and the Department of Neurology (M.E.S.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City
| | - Michael E Shy
- From the Departments of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences, and Odontostomatology (F.M., C.P., L.S.), University Federico II of Naples; Neurology Division (M.N., V.P., A.S., G.C.), "Salvatore Maugeri" Foundation, Institute of Telese Terme; the Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences, University of Verona (G.M.F.), and the Department of Neurosciences, AOUI Verona (T.C.), University Hospital G.B. Rossi, Verona, Italy; and the Department of Neurology (M.E.S.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City
| | - Lucio Santoro
- From the Departments of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences, and Odontostomatology (F.M., C.P., L.S.), University Federico II of Naples; Neurology Division (M.N., V.P., A.S., G.C.), "Salvatore Maugeri" Foundation, Institute of Telese Terme; the Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences, University of Verona (G.M.F.), and the Department of Neurosciences, AOUI Verona (T.C.), University Hospital G.B. Rossi, Verona, Italy; and the Department of Neurology (M.E.S.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City.
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