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The Journal of Hand Surgery... Feb 2023We present a patient with Pacinian corpuscle hypertrophy and hyperplasia in the hand and discuss the diagnosis and treatment of this rare condition. A 46-year-old woman...
We present a patient with Pacinian corpuscle hypertrophy and hyperplasia in the hand and discuss the diagnosis and treatment of this rare condition. A 46-year-old woman presented with radiating pain of the left middle finger. A strong Tinel-like sign was elicited between the index and middle fingers. The patient frequently used mobile phone, with the corner of the phone consistently applying pressure on the palm. The surgery was carried out under the microscope and two enlarged cystic lesions under the epineurium were found in the proper digital nerve. Histologic examination revealed hypertrophied Pacinian corpuscle with normal structure. Postoperatively, her symptoms gradually improved. Preoperative diagnosis of this disease is very difficult. Hand surgeons should keep this disease in mind preoperatively. In our case, we would not have been able to identify multiple hypertrophic Pacinian corpuscles without the microscope. An operating microscope is recommended in a surgery of this nature. Level V (Therapeutic).
Topics: Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Fingers; Hand; Hyperplasia; Neuroma; Pacinian Corpuscles; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases; Hypertrophy; Microsurgery; Peripheral Nerves
PubMed: 36803331
DOI: 10.1142/S2424835523720037 -
Annals of Anatomy = Anatomischer... Aug 2022Small clear synaptic-like vesicles fill axon terminals of mechanoreceptors. Their functional significance is controversial and probably includes release of...
BACKGROUND
Small clear synaptic-like vesicles fill axon terminals of mechanoreceptors. Their functional significance is controversial and probably includes release of neurotransmitters from afferent axon terminals. Synaptophysin, a major protein of the synaptic vesicle membrane, is present in presynaptic endings of the central and peripheral nervous systems. It is also expressed in mechanosensory neurons which extend into skin forming sensory corpuscles. Nevertheless, synaptophysin occurrence in these structures has never been investigated.
METHODS
Here we used immunohistochemistry to detect synaptophysin in adult human dorsal root ganglia, cutaneous Meissner and Pacinian corpuscles and Merkel cell-neurite complexes from foetal to elderly period. Moreover, we analyzed whether synaptophysin co-localizes with the mechano-gated protein PIEZO2.
RESULTS
Synaptophysin immunoreactivity was observed in primary sensory neurons (36 ± 6%) covering the entire soma size ranges. Axons of Meissner's and Pacinian corpuscles were positive for synaptophysin from 36 and 12 weeks of estimated gestational age respectively, to 72 years old. Synaptophysin was also detected in Merkel cells (from 14 weeks of estimated gestational age to old age). Additionally in adult skin, synaptophysin and PIEZO2 co-localized in the axon of Meissner and Pacinian corpuscles, Merkel cells as well as in some axons of Merkel cell-neurite complexes.
CONCLUSION
Present results demonstrate that a subpopulation of primary sensory neurons and their axon terminals forming cutaneous sensory corpuscles contain synaptophysin, a typical presynaptic vesicle protein. Although the functional relevance of these findings is unknown it might be related to neurotransmission mechanisms linked to mechanotransduction.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Axons; Biomarkers; Humans; Mechanoreceptors; Mechanotransduction, Cellular; Pacinian Corpuscles; Skin; Synaptophysin
PubMed: 35588932
DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2022.151955 -
Journal of Anatomy May 2022The human palmar aponeurosis is involved in hand proprioception, and it contains different sensory corpuscle morphotypes that serve this role. In palmar fibromatosis...
The human palmar aponeurosis is involved in hand proprioception, and it contains different sensory corpuscle morphotypes that serve this role. In palmar fibromatosis (classically referred to as Dupuytren's disease), the palmar aponeurosis undergoes fibrous structural changes that, presumably, also affect the nervous system, causing altered perception. We analysed the various sensory nerve formation morphotypes in the palmar aponeuroses of healthy subjects and patients with palmar fibromatosis. To do this, we used immunohistochemistry for corpuscular constituents and the putative mechanoproteins PIEZO2 and acid-sensing ion channel 2. Free nerve endings and Golgi-Mazzoni, Ruffini, paciniform and Pacinian corpuscles were identified in both the healthy and the pathological conditions. The densities of the free nerve endings and Golgi-Mazzoni corpuscles were slightly increased in the pathological tissues. Furthermore, the Pacinian corpuscles were enlarged and displayed an altered shape. Finally, there was also morphological and immunohistochemical evidence of occasional denervation of the Pacinian corpuscles, although no increase in their number was observed. Both PIEZO2 and acid-sensing ion channel 2 were absent from the altered corpuscles. These results indicate that the human palmar aponeurosis is richly innervated, and the free nerve endings and sensory corpuscles within the palmar aponeurosis undergo quantitative and qualitative changes in patients with palmar fibromatosis, which may explain the sensory alterations occasionally reported for this pathology.
Topics: Acid Sensing Ion Channels; Aponeurosis; Dupuytren Contracture; Hand; Humans; Pacinian Corpuscles
PubMed: 34881452
DOI: 10.1111/joa.13609 -
Anatomical Record (Hoboken, N.J. : 2007) Aug 2020Heparan sulfate proteoglycans are pericellular/cell surface molecules involved in somatosensory axon guidance in the peripheral nervous system. However, the distribution...
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.
Topics: Adult; Collagen Type IV; Female; Heparitin Sulfate; Humans; Male; Mechanoreceptors; Middle Aged; Pacinian Corpuscles; S100 Proteins; Skin; Young Adult
PubMed: 31815364
DOI: 10.1002/ar.24328 -
Annals of Anatomy = Anatomischer... Sep 2018Meissner's and Pacinian corpuscles are cutaneous mechanoreceptors responsible for different modalities of touch. The development of these sensory formations in humans is...
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.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Animals; Antibodies; Axons; Collagen Type IV; Female; Fingers; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Gestational Age; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Mechanoreceptors; Mice; Middle Aged; Pacinian Corpuscles; Pregnancy; Rabbits; Skin
PubMed: 29842990
DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2018.05.001 -
F1000Research 2020Vibrations are all around us. We can detect vibrations with sensitive skin mechanoreceptors, but our conscious awareness of the presence of vibrations is often limited.... (Review)
Review
Vibrations are all around us. We can detect vibrations with sensitive skin mechanoreceptors, but our conscious awareness of the presence of vibrations is often limited. Nevertheless, vibrations play a role in our everyday life. Here, we briefly describe the function of vibration detection and how it can be used for medical applications by way of whole body vibration. Strong vibrations can be harmful, but milder vibrations can be beneficial, although to what extent and how large the clinical relevance is are still controversial. Whole body vibration can be applied via a vibrating platform, used in both animal and human research. Recent findings make clear that the mode of action is twofold: next to the rather well-known exercise (muscle) component, it also has a sensory (skin) component. Notably, the sensory (skin) component stimulating the brain has potential for several purposes including improvements in brain-related disorders. Combining these two components by selecting the optimal settings in whole body vibration has clear potential for medical applications. To realize this, the field needs more standardized and personalized protocols. It should tackle what could be considered the "Big Five" variables of whole body vibration designs: vibration amplitude, vibration frequency, method of application, session duration/frequency, and total intervention duration. Unraveling the underlying mechanisms by translational research can help to determine the optimal settings. Many systematic reviews on whole body vibration end with the conclusion that the findings are promising yet inconclusive. This is mainly because of the large variation in the "Big Five" settings between studies and incomplete reporting of methodological details hindering reproducibility. We are of the opinion that when (part of) these optimal settings are being realized, a much better estimate can be given about the true potential of whole body vibration as a medical application.
Topics: Animals; Brain; Exercise; Humans; Mechanoreceptors; Reproducibility of Results; Vibration
PubMed: 32595943
DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.22649.1 -
Bioinspiration & Biomimetics May 2020A vibration sensor is presented mimicking the structure of the Pacinian corpuscle. A multi-step casting process is used to create a 5 mm diameter sensor with a liquid...
A vibration sensor is presented mimicking the structure of the Pacinian corpuscle. A multi-step casting process is used to create a 5 mm diameter sensor with a liquid metal core, elastomer dielectric, and graphite counter electrode creating a spherical capacitive sensing element with sensitivities on the order of 10 Δ pF/mm. A model for the capacitance change of the spherical capacitor as it is formed is developed and its findings support the sensitivities observed. Various elastomer dielectric compositions with integrated barium titanate nanoparticles are tested to increase the dielectric constant. The biological acoustic filter within the corpuscle is mimicked using alternating cast layers of oligomers and elastomers around the spherical sensor element. Vibration sensing is characterized over the low frequency range of 10-300 Hz and the minimum detectable sensitivity is found to be 1 µm with a low power requirement of 7 mW. The artificial Pacinian corpuscle has potential applications in tactile sensing and seismic monitoring devices.
Topics: Animals; Barium Compounds; Biomimetic Materials; Biosensing Techniques; Humans; Nanoparticles; Pacinian Corpuscles; Titanium; Vibration
PubMed: 32106099
DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/ab7ab6 -
BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Mar 2023Specialized mechanosensory end organs within mammalian skin-hair follicle-associated lanceolate complexes, Meissner corpuscles, and Pacinian corpuscles-enable our...
Specialized mechanosensory end organs within mammalian skin-hair follicle-associated lanceolate complexes, Meissner corpuscles, and Pacinian corpuscles-enable our perception of light, dynamic touch . In each of these end organs, fast-conducting mechanically sensitive neurons, called Aβ low-threshold mechanoreceptors (Aβ LTMRs), associate with resident glial cells, known as terminal Schwann cells (TSCs) or lamellar cells, to form complex axon ending structures. Lanceolate-forming and corpuscle-innervating Aβ LTMRs share a low threshold for mechanical activation, a rapidly adapting (RA) response to force indentation, and high sensitivity to dynamic stimuli . How mechanical stimuli lead to activation of the requisite mechanotransduction channel Piezo2 and Aβ RA-LTMR excitation across the morphologically dissimilar mechanosensory end organ structures is not understood. Here, we report the precise subcellular distribution of Piezo2 and high-resolution, isotropic 3D reconstructions of all three end organs formed by Aβ RA-LTMRs determined by large volume enhanced Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscopy (FIB-SEM) imaging. We found that within each end organ, Piezo2 is enriched along the sensory axon membrane and is minimally or not expressed in TSCs and lamellar cells. We also observed a large number of small cytoplasmic protrusions enriched along the Aβ RA-LTMR axon terminals associated with hair follicles, Meissner corpuscles, and Pacinian corpuscles. These axon protrusions reside within close proximity to axonal Piezo2, occasionally contain the channel, and often form adherens junctions with nearby non-neuronal cells. Our findings support a unified model for Aβ RA-LTMR activation in which axon protrusions anchor Aβ RA-LTMR axon terminals to specialized end organ cells, enabling mechanical stimuli to stretch the axon in hundreds to thousands of sites across an individual end organ and leading to activation of proximal Piezo2 channels and excitation of the neuron.
PubMed: 36993253
DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.17.533188 -
Case Reports in Plastic Surgery & Hand... 2019Pacinian corpuscle pathology is a rare clinical entity and an uncommonly reported cause of digital pain. While many prior reports implicate hand trauma, we describe a...
Pacinian corpuscle pathology is a rare clinical entity and an uncommonly reported cause of digital pain. While many prior reports implicate hand trauma, we describe a case of Pacinian hyperplasia found in a patient with Raynaud's phenomenon and propose a potential mechanism of disease.
PubMed: 32002464
DOI: 10.1080/23320885.2019.1698958 -
The Journal of Hand Surgery Dec 2018Pacinian corpuscles are rapidly adapting mechanoreceptors distributed in the dermis of the fingers and palm of the hand. A neuroma of the pacinian corpuscle is rare and...
Pacinian corpuscles are rapidly adapting mechanoreceptors distributed in the dermis of the fingers and palm of the hand. A neuroma of the pacinian corpuscle is rare and extremely painful, with only a few cases reported in the literature. A 71-year-old man with pain and swelling on his left index finger, initially diagnosed as tenosynovitis resistant to nonsurgical treatment, was referred to our center. During surgery, a cluster of spherical, gray lesions close to the digital nerve was found and excised. The pathological diagnosis was neuroma of the pacinian corpuscles. Two years later, he reported the same clinical findings on his right index finger with no improvement after nonsurgical treatment. During surgery, the same lesions were found and also identified as pacinian corpuscle neuromas.
Topics: Aged; Fingers; Humans; Male; Neuralgia; Neuroma; Pacinian Corpuscles; Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms
PubMed: 29627280
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2018.03.007