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Abo-Ahmed AI, Latifi F, El-kammar RI, Girgiri I. Merkel-like basal cells in the nasal septal island of dromedaries: Ultrastructure and possible functions. Saudi J Biol Sci 2023; 30:103764. [PMID: 37588572 PMCID: PMC10425395 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2023.103764] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Unlike other Merkel cell types, the morphology and functions of the Merkel-like basal cells remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the ultrastructural features of Merkel-like basal cells in the nasal septal island (NSI) of dromedaries (Camelus dromedarius) using transmission electron microscopy and to speculate their potential functions. Ten pairs of nasal septal islands obtained from ten heads of dromedary camels were used for the current study. Interestingly, these cells have been identified in the basal layer of the neuroepithelium of the dromedary nasal septal island near the sensory nerve endings. These cells were ovoid to elliptical in shape and rested on the basal lamina. Their surface had spine like cytoplasmic processes which interwined with the adjacent basal cells. Their nuclei were large lobulated with 2-3 deep notches. Moreover, numerous dense-core granules surrounded by electron-lucent halo were aggregated in the basal portion of the cells close to the nerve ending as well as melanin pigments in the apical portion. The ultrastructural characteristics of the Merkel-like basal cells of NSI were typical to those of Merkel cells, but with some morphological differences, including their location, cellular attachments, and connections to other structures. The potential functions were discussed in the light of the cellular context and architecture. The Merkel-like basal cells of the NSI neuroepithelium might play a role in nociception and magnetoreception in dromedaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed I. Abo-Ahmed
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Toukh 13736, Egypt
| | - Fatgzim Latifi
- Department of Veterinary, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina”, Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Reda I. El-kammar
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Toukh 13736, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim Girgiri
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, PMB 1069, Nigeria
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Sakamoto T, Ishio Y, Ishida Y, Mogi K, Kikusui T. Low maternal care enhances the skin barrier resistance of offspring in mice. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219674. [PMID: 31295326 PMCID: PMC6624014 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Deprivation of maternal care via lack of somatosensory input causes offspring to experience adverse consequences, especially in the central nervous system. However, little is known about the developmental effect of maternal care on peripheral tissues such as the skin, which includes cutaneous sensory neurons. In the present study, we examined the involvement of maternal care in the development of the skin. We investigated offspring reared by early-weaned mother mice who spontaneously showed lower frequency of licking/grooming on nursing. Offspring of early-weaned mothers showed higher resistance against skin barrier disruption than did offspring of normally-weaned mothers, and had normal skin barrier function in the intact trunk skin. In the dorsal root ganglion of early-weaned mother offspring, we also found up-regulation of mRNA levels of the Mas-related G-protein coupled receptor B4 (MrgprB4), which is a marker of sensory neurons that detect gentle stroking. We further found that levels of MrgprB4 mRNA were correlated with the enhancement of skin resistance. The present findings suggest that maternal somatosensory inputs have a developmental impact on the cutaneous sensory neurons of the skin in offspring. Interestingly, the present results suggest that lower maternal care has a benefit on the skin resistance. This provides important information for understanding the development of peripheral tissues in offspring reared under severe conditions such as lower maternal care in the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Sakamoto
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yukino Ishio
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yuiko Ishida
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Mogi
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Takefumi Kikusui
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
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Abstract
Evidence suggests that both the interaction of so-called Merkel cells and the epidermal stress distribution play an important role in the formation of fingerprint patterns during pregnancy. To model the formation of fingerprint patterns in a biologically meaningful way these patterns have to become stationary. For the creation of synthetic fingerprints it is also very desirable that rescaling the model parameters leads to rescaled distances between the stationary fingerprint ridges. Based on these observations, as well as the model introduced by Kücken and Champod we propose a new model for the formation of fingerprint patterns during pregnancy. In this anisotropic interaction model the interaction forces not only depend on the distance vector between the cells and the model parameters, but additionally on an underlying tensor field, representing a stress field. This dependence on the tensor field leads to complex, anisotropic patterns. We study the resulting stationary patterns both analytically and numerically. In particular, we show that fingerprint patterns can be modeled as stationary solutions by choosing the underlying tensor field appropriately.
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Abraham J, Mathew S. Merkel Cells: A Collective Review of Current Concepts. Int J Appl Basic Med Res 2019; 9:9-13. [PMID: 30820413 PMCID: PMC6385537 DOI: 10.4103/ijabmr.ijabmr_34_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Merkel cells (MCs) constitute a very unique population of postmitotic cells scattered along the dermo-epidermal junction. These cells that have synaptic contacts with somatosensory afferents are regarded to have a pivotal role in sensory discernment. Several concerns exist till date as to their origin, multiplication, and relevance in skin biology. The article, a collective review of literature extracted from PubMed search and dermatology books, provides novel insights into the physiology of MCs and their recent advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Abraham
- Department of Orthodontics, Specialty Clinic, Dental and Orthodontic Center, Idukki, India
| | - Sherin Mathew
- Department of Dentistry, Government Taluk Hospital, Kottayam, Kerala, India
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Ross CL, Pettenati MJ, Procita J, Cathey L, George SK, Almeida-Porada G. Evaluation of Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Effects of Extremely Low-frequency Electromagnetic Field on Mesenchymal Stromal Cells. Glob Adv Health Med 2018; 7:2164956118777472. [PMID: 29796339 PMCID: PMC5960853 DOI: 10.1177/2164956118777472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Interest in the use of extremely low-frequency (ELF) electromagnetic field (EMF) for the treatment of pain and inflammation is increasing due to the ability of this promising therapy to compete with pharmaceuticals without the adverse effects caused by drugs. However, there continues to be concerns regarding cytotoxic and genotoxic effects that may occur as a result of exposure to EMF. Objective To investigate this concern, we tested the effect of our known therapeutic 5 Hz, 0.4 milliTesla (mT) EMF on a human mesenchymal stromal cell (hMSC) line to determine whether ELF-EMF exposure would cause cytotoxic or genotoxic effects. Methods Treated samples along with controls were exposed to 5 Hz, 0.4 mT ELF-EMF for 20 min/day, 3×/week for 2 weeks and then assayed for cell viability, proliferation rates, and chromosome breaks. Results Cytogenetic analysis of the viability and proliferation rates along with analysis of morphological genome stability showed no cytotoxicity, and no chromosome breaks per karyotype analysis—therefore no genotoxicity. Conclusion Exposure to an ELF-EMF of 5 Hz, 0.4 mT for 20 min/day, 3×/week for 2 weeks does not cause cytotoxic or genotoxic effects in hMSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina L Ross
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.,Wake Forest Center for Integrative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Mark J Pettenati
- Department of Genetics, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Joseph Procita
- Department of Genetics, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Lisa Cathey
- Department of Genetics, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Sunil K George
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Graca Almeida-Porada
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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Epigenetic Mechanisms of Integrative Medicine. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 2017:4365429. [PMID: 28316635 PMCID: PMC5339524 DOI: 10.1155/2017/4365429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Revised: 11/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Since time immemorial humans have utilized natural products and therapies for their healing properties. Even now, in the age of genomics and on the cusp of regenerative medicine, the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches represents a popular branch of health care. Furthermore, there is a trend towards a unified medical philosophy referred to as Integrative Medicine (IM) that represents the convergence of CAM and conventional medicine. The IM model not only considers the holistic perspective of the physiological components of the individual, but also includes psychological and mind-body aspects. Justification for and validation of such a whole-systems approach is in part dependent upon identification of the functional pathways governing healing, and new data is revealing relationships between therapies and biochemical effects that have long defied explanation. We review this data and propose a unifying theme: IM's ability to affect healing is due at least in part to epigenetic mechanisms. This hypothesis is based on a mounting body of evidence that demonstrates a correlation between the physical and mental effects of IM and modulation of gene expression and epigenetic state. Emphasis on mapping, deciphering, and optimizing these effects will facilitate therapeutic delivery and create further benefits.
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Schober J, Aardsma N, Mayoglou L, Pfaff D, Martín-Alguacil N. Terminal innervation of female genitalia, cutaneous sensory receptors of the epithelium of the labia minora. Clin Anat 2015; 28:392-8. [DOI: 10.1002/ca.22502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Justine Schober
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior; Rockefeller University; New York New York
- UPMC Hamot; Erie Pennsylvania
| | - Nathan Aardsma
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior; Rockefeller University; New York New York
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine; Erie Pennsylvania
| | - Lazarus Mayoglou
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior; Rockefeller University; New York New York
- UPMC Hamot; Erie Pennsylvania
| | - Donald Pfaff
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior; Rockefeller University; New York New York
| | - Nieves Martín-Alguacil
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior; Rockefeller University; New York New York
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology; School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid; Madrid Spain
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Martín-Alguacil N, Cooper RS, Aardsma N, Mayoglou L, Pfaff D, Schober J. Terminal innervation of the male genitalia, cutaneous sensory receptors of the male foreskin. Clin Anat 2015; 28:385-91. [DOI: 10.1002/ca.22501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 12/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nieves Martín-Alguacil
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior; Rockefeller University; New York New York
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology; School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid; Madrid Spain
| | - R. Scott Cooper
- UPMC Hamot; Erie Pennsylvania
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine; Erie Pennsylvania
| | - Nathan Aardsma
- UPMC Hamot; Erie Pennsylvania
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine; Erie Pennsylvania
| | - Lazarus Mayoglou
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior; Rockefeller University; New York New York
- UPMC Hamot; Erie Pennsylvania
| | - Donald Pfaff
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior; Rockefeller University; New York New York
| | - Justine Schober
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior; Rockefeller University; New York New York
- UPMC Hamot; Erie Pennsylvania
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Anatomo-Functional Correlation between Head Zones and Acupuncture Channels and Points: A Comparative Analysis from the Perspective of Neural Therapy. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2014; 2014:836392. [PMID: 25506384 PMCID: PMC4260442 DOI: 10.1155/2014/836392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Revised: 09/24/2014] [Accepted: 09/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Background. Neural therapy and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are part of complementary and alternative medicine in western world. Both of them share characteristics in diagnosis and therapeutics in search of changes in tenderness, pain, and skin stiffness related to visceral disease, as well as therapeutic procedures with specific stimuli on the skin that generate local, segmental, or remote reactions. Head zones explain segmental viscerocutaneous relations in neural therapy; however, interference fields and remote reactions after infiltration of local anesthetic go beyond this segmental distribution. Methods. This descriptive research required review and analysis of texts of Henry Head and traditional Chinese medicine. Results. Anatomical and functional relationships were found between Head zones in body, and head and neck with 14 acupuncture channels and their points. Anatomical areas of strong correlations were found: Head zones of heart and lung with heart and pericardium channels; Head zones of genitals with bladder and kidney channels. Strong functional relations between all Head zones, channels, and acupoints were found when following the pattern of segmental dermatomes; 235 acupuncture points were found in concordance.
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Xiao Y, Williams JS, Brownell I. Merkel cells and touch domes: more than mechanosensory functions? Exp Dermatol 2014; 23:692-5. [PMID: 24862916 DOI: 10.1111/exd.12456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The touch dome (TD) is an innervated structure in the epidermis of mammalian skin. Composed of specialized keratinocytes and neuroendocrine Merkel cells, the TD has distinct molecular characteristics compared to the surrounding epidermal keratinocytes. Much of the research on Merkel cell function has focused on their role in mechanosensation, specifically light touch. Recently, more has been discovered about Merkel cell molecular characteristics and their cells of origin. Here we review Merkel cell and TD biology, and discuss potential functions beyond mechanosensation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xiao
- Dermatology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Bókkon I, Erdőfi-Szabó A, Till A, Lukács T, Erdőfi-Nagy E. EMOST: elimination of chronic constipation and diarrhea by low-frequency and intensity electromagnetic fields. Electromagn Biol Med 2013; 33:68-74. [PMID: 23781990 DOI: 10.3109/15368378.2013.783854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Previously, we reported about the effectiveness of the EMOST (Electro-Magnetic-Own-Signal-Treatment) treatments in reduction of phantom limb pain as well as improvement of the quality of sleep and mood in subjects under clinical circumstances. We also presented the successful application of EMOST for mental stress management of humans under catastrophic conditions. Our some years experience indicated that the efficiency of EMOST is much greater in children than in adult subjects. In addition, in children much less treatment is needed for recovery compared to adult subjects, as well as the duration of the treatment is shorter. It is possible that this particular success is due to the large plasticity of the central and the autonomic nervous system in young patients. Thus, our research pays special attention regarding the EMOST effectiveness in the field of chronic childhood diseases. Here we report about results of routine alternative treatments carried out at Biolabor Biophysics and Laboratory Services Ltd. by EMOST device regarding to the elimination of chronic constipation and persistent diarrhea in the case of two children. We also briefly present two important possible biological mechanisms such as redox processes and the bidirectional communication between skin cells and the nervous system regarding the efficiency of low-frequency and low-intensity electromagnetic fields (LFI-EMF) treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- István Bókkon
- BioLabor Biophysical and Laboratories Services Ltd. , Budapest , Hungary
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Hammerschlag R, Jain S, Baldwin AL, Gronowicz G, Lutgendorf SK, Oschman JL, Yount GL. Biofield research: a roundtable discussion of scientific and methodological issues. J Altern Complement Med 2012; 18:1081-6. [PMID: 23075412 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2012.1502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Merkel cells and the individuality of friction ridge skin. J Theor Biol 2012; 317:229-37. [PMID: 23079286 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2012.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2012] [Revised: 09/24/2012] [Accepted: 10/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
There is no definite theory yet for the mechanism by which the pattern of epidermal ridges on fingers, palms and soles forming friction ridge skin (FRS) patterns is created. For a long time growth forces in the embryonal epidermis have been believed to be involved in FRS formation. More recent evidence suggests that Merkel cells play an important part in this process as well. Here we suggest a model for the formation of FRS patterns that links Merkel cells to the epidermal stress distribution. The Merkel cells are modeled as agents in an agent based model that move anisotropically where the anisotropy is created by the epidermal stress tensor. As a result ridge patterns are created with pattern defects as they occur in real FRS patterns. As a consequence we suggest why the topology of FRS patterns is indeed unique as the arrangement of pattern defects is sensitive to the initial configuration of Merkel cells.
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