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PubMed1979

[Analysis of the mechanism of amplitude change in Pacinian corpuscle receptor potential in a solution with a decreased calcium ion concentration].

The effect of Ca2+-free solution on the amplitude increase in the receptor potential (RP) of Pacinian corpuscles was studied using external perfusion technique. The RP amplitude increased in Ca2+-free solution. It was blocked after addition of 10-20 mM of tetraethylamonium. A temporary increase in the RP amplitude is seen in the solution with 0.2 mM of 2.4-dinitrophenol. Sensitivity of the receptor membrane to mechanical stimuli does not change in Ca2+-free solution. It is suggested that near the mechanosensitive ionic canal of Pacinian corpuscle receptor membrane the fixed negative charges which could influence the "gate" system state of the mechanosensitive canal are absent.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

The inner-core, outer-core and capsule cells of the human Pacinian corpuscles: an immunohistochemical study.

The distribution of several markers for Schwann cells and perineurial cells, including S-100 protein, Leu-7 antigen, vimentin and epithelial membrane antigen was studied immunohistochemically in Pacinian corpuscles from human digital skin. Formaldehyde fixed paraffin embedded tissues, and monoclonal antibodies were used. A positive immunostaining for S-100 protein, Leu-7 antigen and vimentin was found in the inner-core cells, whereas the outer-core and capsule lamellae were labelled for both epithelial membrane antigen and vimentin. The pattern of vimentin immunoreactivity was not homogeneous but focally distributed, and occasionally, positive immunoreactivity for vimentin was observed in blood vessels supplying the capsule. Present results provide evidence that some antibodies against Schwann cells and perineurial fibroblastic cells, selectively stain the Pacinian corpuscles derivatives while others are commonly expressed for non-neuronal cells of sensory nerve corpuscles.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Voltage-gated sodium channels are present on both the neural and capsular structures of Pacinian corpuscles.

It has long been accepted that action potentials arising from Pacinian corpuscles (PCs) originate at the first node of Ranvier located within the PC and that the mechanotransduction events (receptor potentials) are formed by stretch-activated channels selectively sensitive predominantly to Na+. Also, it has been shown previously that tetrodotoxin (TTX) affects the receptor potential suggesting that transduction may involve voltage-sensitive Na+ channels. To determine whether voltage-sensitive Na+ channels exist in the membrane thought to be responsible for transduction, immunocytochemical studies were performed using polyclonal antibodies raised in rabbit against the alpha subunit of rat type I and type II voltage-gated sodium channels. The results show the presence of label on the neurite and axolemma, as well as in the node regions. Interestingly, labeling is also found on the inner and outer lamellae that form the non-neural accessory structure surrounding the neurite. The presence of this label in the surrounding lamellae suggests that voltage-sensitive Na+ channels, that are involved in both transduction and action-potential generation, may be made available to the neurite via transport from the lamellae, a mechanism perhaps operating in parallel to axoplasmic transport.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Immunocytochemical identification of proteins within the Pacinian corpuscle.

Light- and electron-microscopic immunocytochemistry (ICC) was performed on Pacinian corpuscles (PCs) obtained from cat mesentery to determine the presence and location of various proteins within the accessory capsule and the neurite. Antibodies to tubulin, neurofilament 200, actin, collagen II and V, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and S-100 were used. Type II collagen was localized only in the outer core of the accessory capsule, which is composed of an inner core, an intermediate layer or growth zone, an outer core and an external capsule. Type V collagen was found only in the intermediate growth zone. Intermediate filaments labeled with anti-GFAP were only found in the inner core. The calcium-binding protein that was labeled by anti-S-100 was found only in the inner core. Diffuse and variable staining for actin is present throughout the accessory capsule. The differences in distribution of these various proteins within the capsule suggest different structural/functional properties of the various capsule regions. The neurite was found to contain microtubules (i.e., tubulin) and neurofilaments throughout, but these cellular inclusions were not found within the cytoplasmic extensions (filopodia) that project from the neurite into the hemilamellar clefts formed by the inner-core hemilamellae. The extensions, however, were found to contain actin in a much greater density than that seen in the neurite proper. The presence of actin, but apparent lack of other cytostructural elements within the extensions, is highly reminiscent of the composition of stereocilia found on vestibular and auditory hair cells. Since stereocilia have been shown to play a role in hair-cell mechanotransduction, it is possible that the cytoplasmic extensions are significantly involved with mechanotransduction within the PC.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Subepineural hyperplastic pacinian corpuscle: an unusual cause of digital pain.

A case is presented in which the patient's chief complaint was severe digital pain radiating to the arm. Even light touch was enough to produce unbearable pain, which prevented the patient from carrying out simple daily tasks. She had complete relief of her symptoms following removal of the hyperplastic pacinian corpuscle and returned to her normal life. A review of the literature revealed few reported cases of hypertrophied pacinian corpuscles in the hand. We believe that this diagnosis must be considered in the differential diagnosis of digital pain of unknown etiology.

Female↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Ovoid geometry of the Pacinian corpuscle is not the determining factor for mechanical excitation.

Static displacements in Pacinian corpuscles (PCs) were measured using video microscopy. Mechanical stimuli of 10-40 microm steps were applied to the PC capsule surfaces using cylindrical contacts with different diameters. Displacements parallel to the stimulation axis were measured at various locations in the focal plane of the optical setup. In contrast to previous data in the literature, the displacements within the corpuscle were found to be linearly related to the indentation amplitude. Displacements decreased as a function of lamella depth, with a more negative slope close to the surface and less negative slope at deeper locations. The experimental data were compared to the predictions of a previous mechanical model, and to the results of two new models: (1) elastic semi-infinite continuum model; (2) ovoid isotropic finite-element model. Although the previous model did not specify displacement boundary conditions, it predicted the current experimental results well. On the other hand, the experimental displacements were found to be smaller than those predicted by the semi-infinite continuum and finite-element models. However, both semi-infinite continuum and finite-element models yielded close results, which show that the three-dimensional ovoid geometry of the corpuscle is not the primary factor for determining the displacements in physiological conditions. Furthermore, simulations with the finite-element model using a wide range of material properties yielded similar results. This supports the hypothesis that a homogeneous isotropic model for the PC cannot predict experimental results. The modeling analyses suggest that the experimental results are largely affected by the displacement of the incompressible interlamellar fluid and the layered structure of the corpuscle.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

A re-evaluation of the cytology of cat Pacinian corpuscles. I. The inner core and clefts.

The ultrastructure of cat mesenteric Pacinian corpuscles in cross and longitudinal sections has been examined. The terminal ends of lamellar cells of the inner core have been identified in longitudinal sections through the proximal portion of the inner core. These terminal bulbous expansions contain characteristics concentric membranes of rough endoplasmic reticulum and in some cases masses of oval membranous inclusions. The central axon as seen in cross section is oval in profile, having X-(short) and Y-(long) axes, and each axonal face is characterized by specializations of the axolemma. At the X-axis, the inner lamellae of the inner core tightly abut a smooth axolemma, with no intervening connective tissue matrix, in a manner reminiscent of a neuroepithelium. The axolemma of the Y-axis has numerous axonal spines (microspikes) that project into the cleft in the inner core. The extent of the axolemma having axonal spines can only be appreciated in longitudinal sections. The clefts contain a specialized connective tissue with elastic and collagen fibrils. The connective tissue compartment of fibers and matrix separating individual inner core lamellae is unique, in that it contains extremely thin collagen fibrils measuring approximately 15 nm in diameter. The diameter of collagen fibrils increases as the cleft is approached. Here the fibrils resemble typical endoneural collagen.

Animals↗
PubMed1958

Facilitation by previous activity in a pacinian corpuscle.

A period of supernormal excitability is left by a propagated impulse in a Pacinian corpuscle. The increase in excitability is found 6 to 10 msec. after an impulse occurs in the corpuscle. Supernormality is produced by either mechanically elicited dromic impulses, or by electrically excited antidromic impulses. Generator potentials do not cause supernormality. Local potentials discharged spontaneously by the corpuscle, and which fall on the supernormal trail left by an antidromic impulse, become enhanced in amplitude, an eventually are turned into propagated dromic potentials. The supernormal period is interpreted as caused by a negative after-potential left at the first intracorpuscular node of Ranvier which outlasts both the recovery time of the firing level and that of the generator potential during the corpuscle's relative refractory period.

Nerve Endings↗
PubMed1998

Distribution of human Pacinian corpuscles in the hand. A cadaver study.

The subcutaneous distribution and number of Pacinian corpuscles were studied in ten fresh cadaver hands. They were found to cluster close to nerves and vessels at the metacarpophalangeal joints and the proximal phalanx. The total mean number in the hand was 300 (192-424). The percentage of the total was 44 to 60% in the fingers, 23 to 48% in the metacarpophalangeal area and 8 to 18% in the thenar and hypothenar regions. Corpuscles in palmar skin overlying the distal phalanx were smaller than receptors in the metacarpophalangeal area. The lowest density of corpuscles was along the nerves and vessels of the middle phalanx.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

A Pacinian corpuscle in the human bladder lamina propria.

The fortuitous finding of a complex Pacinian corpuscle within the lamina propria of the human urinary bladder is described. It consisted of a complex of encapsulated nerve endings within the areolar connective tissue of the lamina propria immediately adjacent to the inner aspect of the detrusor muscle. It showed no structural evidence of directional sensitivity and was associated on its outer aspect with small unmyelinated axons containing small clear and dense-cored vesicles. This appears to be the first report of an encapsulated nerve ending within the lining of the adult human urinary bladder.

Basement Membrane↗
PubMed1982

A mathematical model of the Pacinian corpuscle.

This article describes a mathematical model of the Pacinian corpuscle based on the analysis of the available experimental data and on previous theoretical research. The model includes the main anatomofunctional constituents of the corpuscle: the capsula and the mechano-to-neural transduction; its structure accounts for the formation of the receptor potential and of the spikes on the nerve terminal. Comparison of the theoretical predictions with the experimental results, in response to different types of stimuli provides a substantial validation of the model and an explanation for the basic aspects of the transduction, in particular for: a) the receptor potential time course for isolated stimuli; b) the frequency response, in terms of receptor potential; c) the frequency threshold curve for the spikes; d) the firing rate, I.S.I. and P.S.T. histograms and the synchronization coefficient, in response to sustained sinusoidal inputs. Possible lines for future experimental research are suggested from the model predictions.

Electrophysiology↗
PubMed1996

Mitochondrial distribution within the terminal neurite of the pacinian corpuscle.

Electron-microscopic analyses of the mitochondrial organization within the neurite innervating the Pacinian corpuscle (PC) were performed to test the hypothesis that the sites of mechanotransduction are the filopodia projecting from the neurite's surface. Since high concentrations of mitochondria imply the need for metabolic energy, and since transduction mechanisms are heavily dependent on such energy, it was reasoned that the greatest concentration of mitochondria should occur near the filopodia if they are involved in mechanotransduction. The analysis that the mitochondria lie close to the terminal neurite's membrane, on average within 0.4 microns, and thus are ideally located for supplying energy for membrane mechanisms. Although they can be found in a ring-like array, as seen in cross-sections of the terminal neurite, their greatest concentration occurs where the filopodia project from the terminal neurite. A linear algebraic analysis of the data set confirmed a high probability of the joint occurrence of a filopodial base and an increased frequency (number) of mitochondria. Thus the results provide further circumstantial support for the hypothesis that transduction within the PC mechanoreceptors takes place at or near the filopodia.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Protein kinase C (alpha, beta, gamma) in Pacinian corpuscle.

Immunocytochemical demonstration of protein kinase C (PKC) subspecies (alpha, beta, gamma) was carried out in Pacinian corpuscles of rat hind feet using monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against each of these subspecies. The inner core cells and lamellae and the Schwann cell cytoplasm of the nerve fiber innervating the corpuscle were strongly positive for PKC alpha-immunoreactivity (IR). In contrast, the axon terminal and the outer core did not display any positive alpha-IR. Very weak PKC beta-IR was detected in the ultraterminal region of the axon terminal, while the trunk region showed no immunoreactivity. Very faint PKC beta-IR was found also in the lamellar cells located at the periphery of the inner core and the endoneurial fibroblasts in the intermediate layer. PKC gamma-IR was not detected in any part of the corpuscle. The strong PKC alpha-IR in the inner core and the presence or absence of PKC alpha-, beta-, and gamma-IR in the axon terminal are discussed from the point of view of the functional aspects of each part.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Pacinian corpuscles hyperplasia--an uncommon cause of digital pain.

The authors present two cases of hyperplasia of Pacinian corpuscles, one in the hand and another in the foot. In the hand the corpuscles were located along the radial border of the pulp of the little finger and presented with localised sharp pain. In the foot, it presented as metatarsalgia in association with Morton's neuroma of the second web space. Both patients underwent exploration and excision of the lesion with complete resolution of symptoms.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Effect of morphine and leucine-enkephalin on the electrophysiological responses of Pacinian corpuscles of the cat.

The effects of morphine and Leu-enkephalin on the electrical activity of Pacinian corpuscles isolated from cat mesentery were studied. These drugs caused a short-term increase and subsequent decrease of the impulse activity, accompanied by a monotonic growth of the threshold for firing of action potentials and amplitudes of generator and action potentials. Naloxone induced an effect similar to that of morphine. The results obtained indicate that morphine and Leu-enkephalin evoke an increase in membrane potential of a nerve ending. These data may form the basis of the modulating effect of opioid peptides on encapsulated mechanoreceptor activity.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Electron microscopic observations of degeneration of human Pacinian corpuscles in amputated fingers.

Amputated human fingers were used to observe the morphologic changes in degeneration of Pacinian corpuscles, and postoperative moving two-point discrimination of the replanted fingers was examined to analyze sensory recovery after replantation. Normal corpuscles are composed of an axon terminal and inner and outer cores, resembling a sliced onion. The inner core is composed of thin, multilayered lamellar cells, and the outer core consists of multiple layers of thin perineurial cells. Based on our morphologic findings, following mitochondrial degeneration in the axon terminal, the terminal and inner core cells disappeared within 9 to 16 hours, but the outer core did not lose its structure until more than 24 hours after amputation. Collagen fibrils in the corpuscles appeared from 5 hours after amputation and periodically increased their amount up to 27 hours after amputation. Postoperative sensory recovery of the replanted fingers was significantly poorer with 9 hours or more of cold ischemia. These findings suggest that the inner core cells originating from Schwann cells degenerate at over 9 hours after amputation, and this may be related to the poor sensory recovery of replanted fingers. It also appears that the outer core cells originating from the perineurial cells in the amputated fingers survive even up to 27 hours after amputation and produce collagen fibrils in the extramatrix spaces of the outer core cells.

Adult↗