Development of Meissner-like and Pacinian sensory corpuscles in the mouse demonstrated with specific markers for corpuscular constituents

Abstract

The development of Meissner-like and Pacinian corpuscles was studied in mice [from postnatal day (Pd) 0 to 42] by using immunohistochemistry for specific corpuscular constituents. The battery of antigens investigated included PGP 9.5 protein and neurofilaments, as markers for the central axon; S100 protein, vimentin, and p75(LNGFR) protein, to show Schwann-related cells; and epithelial membrane antigen to identify perineurial-related cells. In Meissner-like corpuscles immunoreactivity (IR) for neuronal markers was found by Pd7 and later. The lamellar cells of these corpuscles expressed first S100 protein IR (Pd7 to Pd42), then vimentin IR (Pd12 to Pd42), and transitory p75(LNGFR) IR (Pd7 to Pd19-20). Vimentin IR, but not epithelial membrane antigen, was detected in the capsule-like cells of the Meissner-like corpuscles. On the other hand, the density of Meissner-like corpuscles progressively increased from Pd0 to Pd19-20. Pacinian corpuscles were identified by Pd7. From this time to Pd42 the central axon showed IR for neuronal markers, and the inner core cells were immunoreactive for S100 protein. Moreover, vimentin IR was detected in the inner core cells by Pd19 and later. Unexpectedly, the central axons displayed S100 protein IR (from Pd7 to P28), while p75(LNGFR) protein IR or epithelial membrane antigen IR were never detected. Taken together, and based on the expression of the assessed antigens alone, the present results suggest that the Meissner-like and the Pacinian corpuscles in mice become mature around Pd19-Pd28 and Pd20, respectively. Furthermore, these results provide a baseline timetable for future studies in the normal or altered development of sensory corpuscles in mice since specific sensory corpuscles are functionally associated with different subtypes of sensory neurons the development of which is selectively disturbed in genetically manipulated mice.

The innervation pattern of the human Achilles tendon: studies of the normal and tendinosis tendon with markers for general and sensory innervation

“…Sensory corpuscles possessing a lamellated appearance were occasionally identified in the paratendinous connective tissue. In accordance with previous studies on corpuscles in the cruciate ligament of the sheep (Halata et al 1999) and the limbs of the mouse (Albuerne et al 2000), the lamellated corpuscles exhibited central axons displaying PGP9.5 immunoreaction. The previously known corpuscles in human Section of Achilles tendinosis tendon stained for PGP9.5.…”

“…9). They appeared as lamellated (Pacinian) corpuscles (e.g., Halata et al 1999;Albuerne et al 2000). The central axons showed marked PGP9.5 immunoreaction (Fig.…”

c-Maf Is Required for the Development of Dorsal Horn Laminae III/IV Neurons and Mechanoreceptive DRG Axon Projections

“…We have examined peripheral innervation of MafA ϩ /Ret ϩ /GFR␣2 ϩ LTMs in the c-Maf deletion mice as well. The c-Maf Ϫ/ Ϫ mice die within a few hours of birth, when the peripheral axons have reached their targets, but have not yet fully differentiated into specialized sensory endings (Albuerne et al, 2000;Hasegawa et al, 2007). Nevertheless, we found that Pacinian corpuscles were underdeveloped in c-Maf deletion mice (Fig.…”

Immunocytochemical Characterization of Pacinian-like Corpuscles in the Labia Minora of Prepubertal Girls

“…8 PGP 9.5, nNOS, and NPY have been shown to positively stain Ab axons serving the corpuscle. 9,10 Although no previous studies have shown the estrogen receptor status of labial Pacinian corpuscles, androgen receptors have been identified in adult preputial Pacinian corpuscles. Androgen receptors were visualized in the flat fibroblast like cells of the Pacinian corpuscle.…”