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Al Meklef R, Kacza J, Kremer T, Rein S. Periarticular Proprioception: Analyzing the Three-Dimensional Structure of Corpuscular Mechanosensors in the Dorsal Part of the Scapholunate Ligament. Cells Tissues Organs 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38631298 DOI: 10.1159/000538169] [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: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sensory nerve endings transmit mechanical stimuli into afferent neural signals and form the basis of proprioception, giving rise to the self-perception of dynamic stability of joints. We aimed to analyze the three-dimensional structure of periarticular corpuscular sensory nerve endings in a carpal ligament to enhance our understanding of their microstructure. METHODS Two dorsal parts of the scapholunate ligament were excised from two human cadaveric wrist specimens. Consecutive cryosections were stained with immunofluorescence markers protein S100B, neurotrophin receptor p75, protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5), and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole. Three-dimensional images of sensory nerve endings were obtained using confocal laser scanning microscopy, and subsequent analysis was performed using Imaris software. RESULTS Ruffini endings were characterized by a PGP 9.5-positive central axon, with a median diameter of 4.63 μm and a median of 25 cells. The p75-positive capsule had a range in thickness of 0.94 μm and 15.5 μm, consisting of single to three layers of lamellar cells. Ruffini endings were significantly smaller in volume than Pacini corpuscles or Golgi-like endings. The latter contained a median of three intracorpuscular structures. Ruffini endings and Golgi-like endings presented a similar structural composition of their capsule and subscapular space. The central axon of Pacini corpuscles was surrounded by S100-positive cells forming the inner core which was significantly smaller than the outer core, which was immunoreactive for p75 and PGP 9.5. CONCLUSION This study reports new data regarding the intricate outer and intracorpuscular three-dimensional morphology of periarticular sensory nerve endings, including the volume, number of cells, and structural composition. These results may form a basis to differ between normal and pathological morphological changes in periarticular sensory nerve endings in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami Al Meklef
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Burn Unit, Hospital Sankt Georg, Leipzig, Germany
- Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Johannes Kacza
- BioImaging Core Facility, College of Veterinary Medicine, Saxon Incubator for Clinical Translation, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thomas Kremer
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Burn Unit, Hospital Sankt Georg, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Susanne Rein
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Burn Unit, Hospital Sankt Georg, Leipzig, Germany
- Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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IWANAGA T, TAKAHASHI-IWANAGA H, NIO-KOBAYASHI J, EBARA S. Structure and barrier functions of the perineurium and its relationship with associated sensory corpuscles: A review. Biomed Res 2022; 43:145-159. [DOI: 10.2220/biomedres.43.145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiko IWANAGA
- Department of Anatomy, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine
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Suazo I, Vega JA, García-Mesa Y, García-Piqueras J, García-Suárez O, Cobo T. The Lamellar Cells of Vertebrate Meissner and Pacinian Corpuscles: Development, Characterization, and Functions. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:790130. [PMID: 35356056 PMCID: PMC8959428 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.790130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensory corpuscles, or cutaneous end-organ complexes, are complex structures localized at the periphery of Aβ-axon terminals from primary sensory neurons that primarily work as low-threshold mechanoreceptors. Structurally, they consist, in addition to the axons, of non-myelinating Schwann-like cells (terminal glial cells) and endoneurial- and perineurial-related cells. The terminal glial cells are the so-called lamellar cells in Meissner and Pacinian corpuscles. Lamellar cells are variably arranged in sensory corpuscles as a “coin stack” in the Meissner corpuscles or as an “onion bulb” in the Pacinian ones. Nevertheless, the origin and protein profile of the lamellar cells in both morphotypes of sensory corpuscles is quite similar, although it differs in the expression of mechano-gated ion channels as well as in the composition of the extracellular matrix between the cells. The lamellar cells have been regarded as supportive cells playing a passive role in the process of genesis of the action potential, i.e., the mechanotransduction process. However, they express ion channels related to the mechano–electric transduction and show a synapse-like mechanism that suggest neurotransmission at the genesis of the electrical action potential. This review updates the current knowledge about the embryonic origin, development modifications, spatial arrangement, ultrastructural characteristics, and protein profile of the lamellar cells of cutaneous end-organ complexes focusing on Meissner and Pacinian morphotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iván Suazo
- Grupo SINPOS, Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
- Faculcultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - José A. Vega
- Grupo SINPOS, Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
- Faculcultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- *Correspondence: José A. Vega,
| | - Yolanda García-Mesa
- Grupo SINPOS, Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Jorge García-Piqueras
- Grupo SINPOS, Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Olivia García-Suárez
- Grupo SINPOS, Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Teresa Cobo
- Departamento de Cirugía y Especialidades Médico-Quirúrgicas, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
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Distribution, fine structure, and three-dimensional innervation of lamellar corpuscles in rat plantar skin. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 386:477-490. [PMID: 34562148 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-021-03525-5] [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: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Lamellar corpuscles function as mechanoreceptors in the skin, composed of axon terminals and lamellae constructed by terminal Schwann cells. They are classified into Pacinian, Meissner, and simple corpuscles based on histological criteria. Lamellar corpuscles in rat dermal papilla cells have been reported; however, the morphological aspects have yet to be thoroughly investigated. In the present study, we analyzed the enzyme activity, distribution, fine structure, and three-dimensional innervation of lamellar corpuscles in rat plantar skin. The lamellar corpuscles exhibiting non-specific cholinesterase were densely distributed in rat footpads, evident as notable skin elevations, especially at the apex, the highest portion of the ridges in each footpad. In contrast, only a few lamellar corpuscles were found in other plantar skin areas. Lamellar corpuscle was considered composed of a flat axon terminal Schwann cell lamellae, which were roughly concentrically arranged in the dermal papilla. These histological characteristics correspond to those of the simple corpuscle. Moreover, the axon tracing method revealed that one trunk axon innervated several simple corpuscles. The territory of the trunk axons overlapped with each other. Finally, the animals' footprints were analyzed. During the pausing and walking phases, footpads are often in contact with the floor. These results demonstrate that the type of lamellar corpuscles in the dermal papillae of rat plantar skin is a simple corpuscle and implies that their distribution pattern in the plantar skin is convenient for efficient sensing and transmission of mechanical stimuli from the ground.
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5
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Handler A, Ginty DD. The mechanosensory neurons of touch and their mechanisms of activation. Nat Rev Neurosci 2021; 22:521-537. [PMID: 34312536 PMCID: PMC8485761 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-021-00489-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Our sense of touch emerges from an array of mechanosensory structures residing within the fabric of our skin. These tactile end organ structures convert innocuous forces acting on the skin into electrical signals that propagate to the CNS via the axons of low-threshold mechanoreceptors (LTMRs). Our rich capacity for tactile discrimination arises from the dissimilar intrinsic properties of the LTMR subtypes that innervate different regions of the skin and the structurally distinct end organ complexes with which they associate. These end organ structures comprise a range of non-neuronal cell types, which may themselves actively contribute to the transformation of tactile forces into neural impulses within the LTMR afferents. Although the mechanism and the site of transduction across end organs remain unclear, PIEZO2 has emerged as the principal mechanosensitive channel involved in light touch of the skin. Here we review the physiological properties of LTMR subtypes and discuss how features of their cutaneous end organ complexes shape subtype-specific tuning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Handler
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David D Ginty
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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García‐Mesa Y, Cárcaba L, Coronado C, Cobo R, Martín‐Cruces J, García‐Piqueras J, Feito J, García‐Suárez O, Vega JA. Glans clitoris innervation: PIEZO2 and sexual mechanosensitivity. J Anat 2021; 238:446-454. [PMID: 32996126 PMCID: PMC7812125 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The clitoris is a leading player in female sexual arousal, if not the main protagonist. Despite this role, studies performed on this structure with specific neuroanatomical techniques are few. This study focuses on glans clitoris innervation, with special emphasis on sensory corpuscles and the presence of the mechanotransducer protein PIEZO2 in these structures. Six glans clitoris samples were obtained at autopsy covering an age spectrum between 52 and 83 years old. Several types of nerve terminations including free nerve endings, genital endbulbs as well as Meissner-like corpuscles and Pacinian corpuscles, but not Ruffini corpuscles, were found. Although corpuscular morphology in the glans clitoris was subtly different from the cutaneous digital counterparts, their basic composition was comparable for both Pacinian and Meissner-like corpuscles. Genital endbulbs showed heterogeneous morphology, and the axons usually exhibited a typical "wool ball" or "yarn ball" aspect. Some of them were lobulated and variably encapsulated by endoneurial elements (65%); from the capsule originate septa that divides the genital endbulbs, suggesting that they are found in clusters rather than as single corpuscles. In addition, most corpuscles in the glans clitoris showed axonal PIEZO2 immunoreactivity, thus, suggesting a mechanical role and molecular mechanisms of mechanosensibility similar to those of digital Meissner's corpuscles. Our results demonstrate that sensory corpuscles of the glans clitoris are similar to those of other glabrous skin zones, as most genital organs are characterized by clusters of corpuscles and the occurrence of the mechanoprotein PIEZO2 in the axons. These findings strongly suggest that PIEZO2 participates in erotic and sexual mechanical sensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda García‐Mesa
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología CelularUniversidad de OviedoOviedoSpain
| | - Lucía Cárcaba
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología CelularUniversidad de OviedoOviedoSpain
| | - César Coronado
- Facultad de Ciencias de la SaludUniversidad Autónoma de ChileSantiagoChile
| | - Ramón Cobo
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología CelularUniversidad de OviedoOviedoSpain
| | - José Martín‐Cruces
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología CelularUniversidad de OviedoOviedoSpain
| | | | - Jorge Feito
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología CelularUniversidad de OviedoOviedoSpain,Servicio de Anatomía PatológicaComplejo Hospitalario Universitario de SalamancaSalamancaSpain
| | | | - José A. Vega
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología CelularUniversidad de OviedoOviedoSpain,Facultad de Ciencias de la SaludUniversidad Autónoma de ChileSantiagoChile
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The Human Cutaneous Sensory Corpuscles: An Update. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10020227. [PMID: 33435193 PMCID: PMC7827880 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10020227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensory corpuscles of human skin are terminals of primary mechanoreceptive neurons associated with non-neuronal cells that function as low-threshold mechanoreceptors. Structurally, they consist of an extreme tip of a mechanosensory axon and nonmyelinating peripheral glial cells variably arranged according to the morphotype of the sensory corpuscle, all covered for connective cells of endoneurial and/or perineurial origin. Although the pathologies of sensitive corpuscles are scarce and almost never severe, adequate knowledge of the structure and immunohistochemical profile of these formations is essential for dermatologists and pathologists. In fact, since sensory corpuscles and nerves share a basic structure and protein composition, a cutaneous biopsy may be a complementary method for the analysis of nerve involvement in peripheral neuropathies, systemic diseases, and several pathologies of the central nervous system. Thus, a biopsy of cutaneous sensory corpuscles can provide information for the diagnosis, evolution, and effectiveness of treatments of some pathologies in which they are involved. Here, we updated and summarized the current knowledge about the immunohistochemistry of human sensory corpuscles with the aim to provide information to dermatologists and skin pathologists.
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Peripheral Mechanobiology of Touch-Studies on Vertebrate Cutaneous Sensory Corpuscles. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176221. [PMID: 32867400 PMCID: PMC7504094 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The vertebrate skin contains sensory corpuscles that are receptors for different qualities of mechanosensitivity like light brush, touch, pressure, stretch or vibration. These specialized sensory organs are linked anatomically and functionally to mechanosensory neurons, which function as low-threshold mechanoreceptors connected to peripheral skin through Aβ nerve fibers. Furthermore, low-threshold mechanoreceptors associated with Aδ and C nerve fibers have been identified in hairy skin. The process of mechanotransduction requires the conversion of a mechanical stimulus into electrical signals (action potentials) through the activation of mechanosensible ion channels present both in the axon and the periaxonal cells of sensory corpuscles (i.e., Schwann-, endoneurial- and perineurial-related cells). Most of those putative ion channels belong to the degenerin/epithelial sodium channel (especially the family of acid-sensing ion channels), the transient receptor potential channel superfamilies, and the Piezo family. This review updates the current data about the occurrence and distribution of putative mechanosensitive ion channels in cutaneous mechanoreceptors including primary sensory neurons and sensory corpuscles.
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9
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Cobo R, García-Mesa Y, García-Piqueras J, Feito J, Martín-Cruces J, García-Suárez O, A. Vega J. The Glial Cell of Human Cutaneous Sensory Corpuscles: Origin, Characterization, and Putative Roles. Somatosens Mot Res 2020. [DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.91815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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10
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Telocytes in the Normal and Pathological Peripheral Nervous System. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124320. [PMID: 32560571 PMCID: PMC7352954 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We studied telocytes/CD34+ stromal cells in the normal and pathological peripheral nervous system (PNS), for which we reviewed the literature and contributed our observations under light and electron microscopy in this field. We consider the following aspects: (A) general characteristics of telocytes and the terminology used for these cells (e.g., endoneurial stromal cells) in PNS; (B) the presence, characteristics and arrangement of telocytes in the normal PNS, including (i) nerve epi-perineurium and endoneurium (e.g., telopodes extending into the endoneurial space); (ii) sensory nerve endings (e.g., Meissner and Pacinian corpuscles, and neuromuscular spindles); (iii) ganglia; and (iv) the intestinal autonomic nervous system; (C) the telocytes in the pathologic PNS, encompassing (i) hyperplastic neurogenic processes (neurogenic hyperplasia of the appendix and gallbladder), highly demonstrative of telocyte characteristics and relations, (ii) PNS tumours, such as neurofibroma, schwannoma, granular cell tumour and nerve sheath myxoma, and interstitial cell of Cajal-related gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST), (iii) tumour-invaded nerves and (iv) traumatic, metabolic, degenerative or genetic neuropathies, in which there are fewer studies on telocytes, e.g., neuroinflammation and nerves in undescended testicles (cryptorchidism), Klinefelter syndrome, crush injury, mucopolysaccharidosis II (Hunter’s syndrome) and Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease.
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García-Piqueras J, García-Suárez O, García-Mesa Y, García-Fernandez B, Quirós LM, Cobo R, Martín-Biedma B, Feito J, Vega JA. Heparan sulfate in human cutaneous Meissner's and Pacinian corpuscles. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2019; 303:2262-2273. [PMID: 31815364 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Heparan sulfate proteoglycans are pericellular/cell surface molecules involved in somatosensory axon guidance in the peripheral nervous system. However, the distribution of heparan sulfate proteoglycans in the extracellular matrix of human cutaneous sensory corpuscles is unknown. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence assays were performed to define the localization of heparan sulfate proteoglycans in human cutaneous Meissner's and Pacinian corpuscles using two anti-heparan sulfate antibodies together with anti-S100 protein, anti-PGP9.5, anti-CD34 (to immunolabel basement membranes, Schwann cells, axon and the intermediate endoneurial layer of Pacinian corpuscles, respectively), anti-Type IV collagen, and anti-chondroitin sulfate antibodies. Heparan sulfate proteoglycans were colocalized with Type IV collagen in Meissner's corpuscles and were located in the outer core lamellae and capsule, but not in the inner core or the intermediate layer, in Pacinian corpuscles. Chondroitin sulfate was observed in the intermediate layer of Pacinian corpuscles but was never colocalized with heparan sulfate proteoglycans. The present results strongly suggest that heparan sulfate proteoglycans are associated with the basement membranes of the lamellar cells in Meissner's corpuscles and with the complex outer core capsule in Pacinian corpuscles. The functional significance of these results, if any, remains to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge García-Piqueras
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Grupo SINPOS, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Olivia García-Suárez
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Grupo SINPOS, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Yolanda García-Mesa
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Grupo SINPOS, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | | | - Luis M Quirós
- Departamento de Biología Funcional, Área de Microbiología, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Ramón Cobo
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Grupo SINPOS, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Benjamin Martín-Biedma
- Departamento de Cirugía y Especialidades Médico-Quirúrgicas, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Jorge Feito
- Servicio de Anatomía Patológica, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - José A Vega
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Grupo SINPOS, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.,Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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García-Piqueras J, Cobo R, Cárcaba L, García-Mesa Y, Feito J, Cobo J, García-Suárez O, Vega JA. The capsule of human Meissner corpuscles: immunohistochemical evidence. J Anat 2019; 236:854-861. [PMID: 31867731 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Meissner corpuscles are cutaneous mechanoreceptors that are usually located in the dermal papillae of human glabrous skin. Structurally, these sensory corpuscles consist of a mechanoreceptive sensory neuron surrounded by non-myelinating lamellar Schwann-like cells. Some authors have described a partially developed fibroblastic capsule of endoneurial or perineurial origin around Meissner corpuscles; however, others have noted that these structures are non-encapsulated. As there is continuity between the periaxonic cells forming the sensory corpuscles and the cells of the nerve trunks, we used immunohistochemistry to examine the expression of endoneurial (CD34 antigen) or perineurial [Glucose transporter 1 (Glut1)] markers in human cutaneous Meissner corpuscles. We also investigated the immunohistochemical patterns of nestin and vimentin (the main intermediate filaments of the cytoskeleton of endoneurial and perineurial cells, respectively) in Meissner corpuscles. The most important finding from this study was that CD34-positive cells formed a partial/complete capsule of endoneurial origin around most Meissner corpuscles, without signs of other perineurial Glut1-positive elements. However, the cytoskeletal proteins of the capsular CD34-positive cells did not include either nestin or vimentin, so the cytoskeletal composition of these cells remains to be established. Finally, the intensity of the immunoreactivity for CD34 in the capsule decreased with ageing, sometimes becoming completely absent in the oldest individuals. In conclusion, we report the first immunohistochemical evidence of the capsule of Meissner corpuscles in humans and demonstrate the endoneurial origin of the capsule.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ramón Cobo
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Lucía Cárcaba
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Yolanda García-Mesa
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Jorge Feito
- Servicio de Anatomía Patológica, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Juan Cobo
- Departamento de Cirugía y Especialidades Médico-Quirúrgicas, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.,Instituto Asturiano de Odontología, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Olivia García-Suárez
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - José A Vega
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.,Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Jin ZW, Cho KH, Xu DY, You YQ, Kim JH, Murakami G, Abe H. Pacinian corpuscles in the human fetal foot: A study using 3D reconstruction and immunohistochemistry. Ann Anat 2019; 227:151421. [PMID: 31563572 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2019.151421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Our group had recently described human hand Pacinian corpuscles (PCs): the hand PCs are not simply arranged along the digital palmar nerves but often exhibited specific morphologies known uncommonly. However, there is still no or few information about human foot PCs. MATERIALS AND METHODS We observed transverse sections of all five toes including the interdigital area obtained from 12 feet of eight fetuses at 28-33 weeks (crown-rump length 230-290mm). Serial sections were prepared for 3D reconstructions and measurement. RESULTS Foot PCs were characterized by (1) a dense distribution in the interdigital area in contrast to a few PCs in the distal tip of the all five toes; (2) abundant dorsal PCs including those in the nail bed and: (3) a long chain of PCs in the flexor tendon sheath of all five toes. Therefore, a distal dominance was not evident in the foot in contrast to the hand and, a tendon sheath contained much greater numbers of PCs than the hand. A tree-like or bouquet-like arrangement of PCs along a short perforating artery to the palmar digital skin was seen in the foot as we had described in the hand. The tree of foot PCs was sometimes seen laying transversely along the digital skin surface, not toward the skin. CONCLUSION It is still unknown that, in utero, how the PCs distribution became different between the hand and foot: it might be determined genetically in a region-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Wu Jin
- Department of Anatomy, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.
| | - Kwang Ho Cho
- Department of Neurology, Wonkwang University School of Medicine and Hospital, Institute of Wonkwang Medical Science, 895, Muwang-ro, Iksan-si, Jeollabuk-do, 54538, Republic of Korea.
| | - Dong Yuan Xu
- Center of Morphological Experiment, Medical College of Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, China.
| | - Ya Qian You
- Department of Anatomy, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.
| | - Ji Hyun Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Chonbuk University School of Medicine, Jeonju, Republic of Korea.
| | - Gen Murakami
- Division of Internal Medicine, Jikou-kai Clinic for Home Visit, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Abe
- Department of Anatomy, Akita University School of Medicine, Akita, Japan.
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Fernandez-Flores A, Cassarino DS. Penile pacinian neurofibroma. REVISTA ESPAÑOLA DE PATOLOGÍA : PUBLICACIÓN OFICIAL DE LA SOCIEDAD ESPAÑOLA DE ANATOMÍA PATOLÓGICA Y DE LA SOCIEDAD ESPAÑOLA DE CITOLOGÍA 2019; 53:126-129. [PMID: 32199595 DOI: 10.1016/j.patol.2019.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Pacinian neurofibroma (PNF) is a lobulated benign neural tumor with prominent structures resembling pacinian bodies. These tumors most commonly occur in areas where normal pacinian bodies are found, such as the hands and feet. Although pacinian bodies are common in the penis, no cases of penile PNF have been reported to date. We present a case of PNF on the dorsal glans penis of a 47-year-old man. The lesion presented as a single flesh-colored papule and the biopsy showed a dermal neurofibroma consisting of bland spindle cells with wavy nuclei, without mitoses or atypia, and some nodular structures with a concentric arrangement and a pacinian appearance. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated positivity for CD34 and Vimetin and negativity for Epithelial Membrane Antigen (EMA). S100 was highly positive in the most central areas of the pacinian-like nodules, while the periphery and non-nodular parts of the neurofibroma were less intensively expressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Fernandez-Flores
- Hospital El Bierzo, Cellular Pathology, Ponferrada, Spain; Biomedical Investigation Institute of A Coruña, CellCOM-SB Group, A Coruña, Spain; Hospital de la Reina, Cellular Pathology, Ponferrada, Spain.
| | - David S Cassarino
- Los Angeles Medical Center (LAMC), Southern California Kaiser Permanente, Department of Dermatology, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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15
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García-Piqueras J, García-Mesa Y, Feito J, García B, Quiros LM, Martín-Biedma B, Cobo T, Vega JA, García-Suárez O. Class I and Class II small leucine-rich proteoglycans in human cutaneous pacinian corpuscles. Ann Anat 2019; 224:62-72. [PMID: 31005573 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2019.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Pacinian corpuscles are onion bulb-like multilayered mechanoreceptors that consist of a complicated structure of axon terminals, Schwann related cells (inner core), endoneural related cells (intermediate layer) and perineurial related cells (outer core-capsule). The cells forming those compartments are continuous and share the properties of that covering the nerve fibers. Small leucine-rich proteoglycans are major proteoglycans of the extracellular matrix and regulate collagen fibrillogenesis, cell signalling pathways and extracellular matrix assembly. Here we used immunohistochemistry to investigate the distribution of class I (biglycan, decorin, asporin, ECM2 and ECMX) and class II (fibromodulin, lumican, prolargin, keratocan and osteoadherin) small leucine-rich proteoglycans in human cutaneous Pacinian corpuscles. The distribution of these compounds was: the inner core express decorin, biglycan, lumican, fibromodulin, osteoadherin; the intermediate layer display immunoreactivity for osteoadherin; the outer core biglycan, decorin, lumican, fibromodulin and osteoadherin; and the capsule contains biglycan, decorin, fibromodulin, and lumican. Asporin, prolargin and keratocan were undetectable. These results complement our knowledge about the distribution of small leucine-rich proteoglycans in human Pacinian corpuscles, and help to understand the composition of the extracellular matrix in these sensory formations.
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Affiliation(s)
- J García-Piqueras
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Grupo SINPOS Universidad de Oviedo, Spain
| | - Y García-Mesa
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Grupo SINPOS Universidad de Oviedo, Spain
| | - J Feito
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Grupo SINPOS Universidad de Oviedo, Spain; Servicio de Anatomía Patológica, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - B García
- Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega, Universidad de Oviedo & Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Oviedo, Spain
| | - L M Quiros
- Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega, Universidad de Oviedo & Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Oviedo, Spain; Departmento de Biología Funcional, Universidad de Oviedo, Spain
| | - B Martín-Biedma
- Departamento de Cirugía y Especialidades Médico-Quirúrgicas, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - T Cobo
- Departamento de Cirugía y Especialidades Médico-Quirúrgicas, Universidad de Oviedo, Spain; Instituto Asturiano de Odontología, Oviedo, Spain
| | - J A Vega
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Grupo SINPOS Universidad de Oviedo, Spain; Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Chile.
| | - O García-Suárez
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Grupo SINPOS Universidad de Oviedo, Spain
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16
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García-Piqueras J, García-Mesa Y, Cárcaba L, Feito J, Torres-Parejo I, Martín-Biedma B, Cobo J, García-Suárez O, Vega JA. Ageing of the somatosensory system at the periphery: age-related changes in cutaneous mechanoreceptors. J Anat 2019; 234:839-852. [PMID: 30924930 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Decline of tactile sensation associated with ageing depends on modifications in skin and both central and peripheral nervous systems. At present, age-related changes in the periphery of the somatosensory system, particularly concerning the effects on mechanoreceptors, remain unknown. Here we used immunohistochemistry to analyse the age-dependent changes in Meissner's and Pacinian corpuscles as well as in Merkel cell-neurite complexes. Moreover, variations in the neurotrophic TrkB-BDNF system and the mechanoprotein Piezo2 (involved in maintenance of cutaneous mechanoreceptors and light touch, respectively) were evaluated. The number of Meissner's corpuscles and Merkel cells decreased progressively with ageing. Meissner's corpuscles were smaller, rounded in morphology and located deeper in the dermis, and signs of corpuscular denervation were found in the oldest subjects. Pacinian corpuscles generally showed no relevant age-related alterations. Reduced expression of Piezo2 in the axon of Meissner's corpuscles and in Merkel cells was observed in old subjects, as well was a decline in the BDNF-TrkB neurotrophic system. This study demonstrates that cutaneous Meissner's corpuscles and Merkel cell-neurite complexes (and less evidently Pacinian corpuscles) undergo morphological and size changes during the ageing process, as well as a reduction in terms of density. Furthermore, the mechanoprotein Piezo2 and the neurotrophic TrkB-BDNF system are reduced in aged corpuscles. Taken together, these alterations might explain part of the impairment of the somatosensory system associated with ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge García-Piqueras
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Grupo SINPOS Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Yolanda García-Mesa
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Grupo SINPOS Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Lucia Cárcaba
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Grupo SINPOS Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Jorge Feito
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Grupo SINPOS Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.,Servicio de Anatomía Patológica, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Isidro Torres-Parejo
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Grupo SINPOS Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Benjamín Martín-Biedma
- Departamento de Cirugía y Especialidades Médico-Quirúrgicas, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Juan Cobo
- Departamento de Cirugía y Especialidades Médico-Quirúrgicas, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.,Instituto Asturiano de Odontología, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Olivia García-Suárez
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Grupo SINPOS Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Jose A Vega
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Grupo SINPOS Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.,Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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17
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Friedrich RE, Hagel C. Painful Vater-Pacini neuroma of the digit in neurofibromatosis type 1. GMS INTERDISCIPLINARY PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY DGPW 2019; 8:Doc03. [PMID: 30984511 PMCID: PMC6441816 DOI: 10.3205/iprs000129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Vater-Pacini neuromas are rare causes of severe pain in the phalanges. The cause of this change in the tactile corpuscles is unknown. A traumatic cause has been plausibly demonstrated, at least in some cases. Here, the rare occurrence of a Vater-Pacini neuroma in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 is reported. The discussion addresses the difficulties of terminology and current diagnostic procedures for differentiating small nodular masses of the palm and digits. The surgical treatment leads to rapid relief of the symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinhard E Friedrich
- Department of Oral and Craniomaxillofacial Surgery, Eppendorf University Hospital, University of Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian Hagel
- Institute of Neuropathology, Eppendorf University Hospital, University of Hamburg, Germany
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18
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García‐Piqueras J, Carcaba L, García‐Mesa Y, Feito J, García B, Viña E, Suárez‐Quintanilla J, Cobo J, Vega JA, García‐Suárez O. Chondroitin Sulfate in Human Cutaneous Meissner and Pacinian Sensory Corpuscles. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2018; 302:325-331. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.23951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2018] [Revised: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge García‐Piqueras
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología CelularGrupo SINPOS Universidad de Oviedo Oviedo Spain
| | - Lucia Carcaba
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología CelularGrupo SINPOS Universidad de Oviedo Oviedo Spain
| | - Yolanda García‐Mesa
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología CelularGrupo SINPOS Universidad de Oviedo Oviedo Spain
| | - Jorge Feito
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología CelularGrupo SINPOS Universidad de Oviedo Oviedo Spain
- Servicio de Anatomía PatológicaHospital Universitario de Salamanca Salamanca Spain
| | - Beatriz García
- Departamento de Biología FuncionalUniversidad de Oviedo Oviedo Spain
- Instituto Universitario Fernández‐VegaUniversidad de Oviedo, Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica Oviedo Spain
| | - E. Viña
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología CelularGrupo SINPOS Universidad de Oviedo Oviedo Spain
- Servicio de Cuidados IntensivosHospital de Cabueñes Gijón Spain
| | - Juan Suárez‐Quintanilla
- Departamento de Ciencias MorfológicasUniversidad de Santiago de Compostela Santiago de Compostela Spain
| | - Juan Cobo
- Instituto Asturiano de Odontología Oviedo Spain
- Departamento de Cirugía y Especialidades Médico‐QuirúrgicasUniversidad de Oviedo Oviedo Spain
| | - Jose A. Vega
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología CelularGrupo SINPOS Universidad de Oviedo Oviedo Spain
- Facultad de Ciencias de la SaludUniversidad Autónoma de Chile Chile
| | - Olivia García‐Suárez
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología CelularGrupo SINPOS Universidad de Oviedo Oviedo Spain
- Instituto Universitario Fernández‐VegaUniversidad de Oviedo, Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica Oviedo Spain
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19
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Feito J, García-Suárez O, García-Piqueras J, García-Mesa Y, Pérez-Sánchez A, Suazo I, Cabo R, Suárez-Quintanilla J, Cobo J, Vega JA. The development of human digital Meissner's and Pacinian corpuscles. Ann Anat 2018; 219:8-24. [PMID: 29842990 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2018.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Meissner's and Pacinian corpuscles are cutaneous mechanoreceptors responsible for different modalities of touch. The development of these sensory formations in humans is poorly known, especially regarding the acquisition of the typical immunohistochemical profile related to their full functional maturity. Here we used a panel of antibodies (to specifically label the main corpuscular components: axon, Schwann-related cells and endoneurial-perineurial-related cells) to investigate the development of digital Meissner's and Pacinian corpuscles in a representative sample covering from 11 weeks of estimated gestational age (wega) to adulthood. Development of Pacinian corpuscles starts at 13 wega, and it is completed at 4 months of life, although their basic structure and immunohistochemical characteristics are reached at 36 wega. During development, around the axon, a complex network of S100 positive Schwann-related processes is progressively compacted to form the inner core, while the surrounding mesenchyme is organized and forms the outer core and the capsule. Meissner's corpuscles start to develop at 22 wega and complete their typical morphology and immunohistochemical profile at 8 months of life. In developing Meissner's corpuscles, the axons establish complex relationships with the epidermis and are progressively covered by Schwann-like cells until they complete the mature arrangement late in postnatal life. The present results demonstrate an asynchronous development of the Meissner's and Pacini's corpuscles and show that there is not a total correlation between morphological and immunohistochemical maturation. The correlation of the present results with touch-induced cortical activity in developing humans is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Feito
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Grupo SINPOS, Universidad de Oviedo, Spain; Servicio de Anatomía Patológica, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Salamanca, Spain
| | - O García-Suárez
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Grupo SINPOS, Universidad de Oviedo, Spain
| | - J García-Piqueras
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Grupo SINPOS, Universidad de Oviedo, Spain
| | - Y García-Mesa
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Grupo SINPOS, Universidad de Oviedo, Spain
| | - A Pérez-Sánchez
- Servicio de Anatomía Patológica, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Salamanca, Spain
| | - I Suazo
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Temuco, Chile
| | - R Cabo
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Grupo SINPOS, Universidad de Oviedo, Spain
| | - J Suárez-Quintanilla
- Departamento de Ciencias Morfológicas, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - J Cobo
- Departamento de Cirugía y Especialidades Médico-Quirúrgicas, Universidad de Oviedo, Spain; Instituto Asturiano de Odontología, Oviedo, Spain
| | - J A Vega
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Grupo SINPOS, Universidad de Oviedo, Spain; Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Temuco, Chile.
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