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Skeletal Radiology Jun 2021Pacinian corpuscles represent special nerve endings that serve as mechanoreceptors sensitive to vibration and pressure and are crucial for proprioception. This work...
Pacinian corpuscles represent special nerve endings that serve as mechanoreceptors sensitive to vibration and pressure and are crucial for proprioception. This work demonstrates that the complex network of Pacinian corpuscles in hands and feet can be examined with three-dimensional Dual Echo Steady State (DESS) MR imaging at 7 T, while previous dedicated MRI reports were either limited to two-dimensional images or focused on the hands. The high-resolution MR images show the detailed architecture of the complex receptor network and reveal a "chain-like" arrangement of Pacinian corpuscles, a predilection for clustering around metacarpophalangeal/metatarsophalangeal joints, proximal phalanges and fingertips, and specific sensor locations both in the superficial subcutaneous tissue and adjacent to deep soft tissue structures such as tendons and joint capsules.
Topics: Hand; Healthy Volunteers; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Mechanoreceptors; Pacinian Corpuscles
PubMed: 33156397
DOI: 10.1007/s00256-020-03667-7 -
Attention, Perception & Psychophysics Nov 2020The article was published with a typo in the article title. The word "corpusclel's" should read "corpuscle".
The article was published with a typo in the article title. The word "corpusclel's" should read "corpuscle".
PubMed: 33078382
DOI: 10.3758/s13414-020-02165-1 -
Journal of Plastic Surgery and Hand... Feb 2021Dupuytren disease (DD) has been associated with enlarged Pacinian corpuscles (PCs) and with PCs having a greater number of lamellae. Based on these associations, we...
PURPOSE
Dupuytren disease (DD) has been associated with enlarged Pacinian corpuscles (PCs) and with PCs having a greater number of lamellae. Based on these associations, we hypothesized that subjects with DD would have altered sensitivity to high-frequency vibrations and that the changes would be more prominent at 250 Hz, where healthy subjects demonstrate the highest sensitivity.
METHODS
A novel device was created to deliver vibrations of specific frequencies and amplitudes to the fingers and palm. Using a Psi-marginal adaptive algorithm, vibrotactile perception thresholds (VPTs) were determined in 36 subjects with DD and 74 subjects without DD. Experiments were performed at 250 Hz and 500 Hz at the fingertip and palm. The VPTs were statistically analyzed with respect to disease status, age, gender, location tested, and frequency tested.
RESULTS
We found that VPT increases with age, which agrees with findings by others. Women showed greater sensitivity (i.e. lower VPT) than men. Men exhibited lower sensitivity in DD versus healthy subjects, but the results were not statistically significant. In subjects with DD presenting unilaterally, the unaffected hand was more sensitive than the affected hand, in particular for a 250 Hz stimulus applied to the finger.
CONCLUSIONS
The data on vibration sensitivity obtained from a large group of subjects with and without DD present interesting trends that may serve as a useful reference to future DD researchers. Understanding additional symptoms of DD may facilitate development of novel diagnostic or prognostic protocols.
Topics: Aged; Case-Control Studies; Dupuytren Contracture; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Sensory Thresholds; Sex Factors; Touch; Vibration
PubMed: 33043747
DOI: 10.1080/2000656X.2020.1828898 -
Foot (Edinburgh, Scotland) Dec 2021Pacinian hyperplasia in the human body has been rarely described in the literature with most cases reported involving the hand (Fassola et al., 2019). This hyperplasia...
Pacinian hyperplasia in the human body has been rarely described in the literature with most cases reported involving the hand (Fassola et al., 2019). This hyperplasia is considered a reactive lesion as opposed to a neoplasm (Satge et al., 2001), with the most common presenting complaint being pain and swelling (Fassola et al., 2019). In this study, a case of bilateral Pacinian corpuscle hyperplasia in the adult foot not previously described in the literature is presented.
Topics: Adult; Hand; Humans; Hyperplasia; Neuroma; Pacinian Corpuscles; Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms
PubMed: 33036838
DOI: 10.1016/j.foot.2020.101709 -
Journal of Anatomy Feb 2021The clitoris is a leading player in female sexual arousal, if not the main protagonist. Despite this role, studies performed on this structure with specific...
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.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Clitoris; Female; Humans; Ion Channels; Mechanoreceptors; Mechanotransduction, Cellular; Middle Aged
PubMed: 32996126
DOI: 10.1111/joa.13317 -
Romanian Journal of Morphology and... 2020Lamellar (Pacinian) corpuscle is a cutaneous encapsulated sensory corpuscle, mainly functioning as a rapidly adapting low-threshold mechanoreceptor with characteristic...
Lamellar (Pacinian) corpuscle is a cutaneous encapsulated sensory corpuscle, mainly functioning as a rapidly adapting low-threshold mechanoreceptor with characteristic "onion skin"-like appearance. Even though the Pacinian corpuscle is typically located in the skin, histomorphologically and confirmed by using immunohistochemical methods, we have identified it within the interstitium of the thymus of a newborn with congenital heart defect. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such account ever to be published. The structure of the thymic Pacinian corpuscle was the same as the Pacinian corpuscle in the skin. The ectopic thymic Pacinian corpuscle can be hypothetically explained as the consequence of impaired migration of neural crest cells, since neural crest-derived cells play an important role in the development of the Pacinian corpuscle, as well as the thymus and heart. In general, the occurrence of ectopic Pacinian corpuscle in different organs is rare. In the scientific literature, there are reports of its sporadic presence in the pancreas, in the lymph nodes, inside the prostate and the urinary bladder wall. Our report presents the first described case of the Pacinian corpuscle in a heterotopic location in the thymus. Similar to other incidental findings of this anatomic structure, explanation of its ectopic development, as well as its local function remains only speculative.
Topics: Humans; Infant, Newborn; Male; Pacinian Corpuscles; Thymus Gland
PubMed: 32747922
DOI: 10.47162/RJME.61.1.33 -
The Journal of Dermatology Oct 2020
Topics: Glomus Tumor; Humans; Neuroma; Pacinian Corpuscles; Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms
PubMed: 32734616
DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.15524 -
Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Apr 2021Sensory receptors in the joint capsule are critical for maintaining joint stability. However, the distribution of sensory receptors in the glenohumeral joint of the...
BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESES
Sensory receptors in the joint capsule are critical for maintaining joint stability. However, the distribution of sensory receptors in the glenohumeral joint of the shoulder, including mechanoreceptors and free nerve endings, has not been described yet. This study aimed to describe the distributions of different sensory receptor subtypes in the glenohumeral joint capsule. Our hypotheses were as follows: (1) Sensory receptor subtypes would differ in density but follow a similar distribution pattern, and (2) the anterior capsule would have the highest density of sensory receptors.
METHODS
Six glenohumeral joint capsules were harvested from the glenoid to the humeral attachment. The capsule was divided into 4 regions of interest (anterior, posterior, superior, and inferior) and analyzed using modified gold chloride stain. Sensory receptors as well as free nerve endings were identified and counted under a light microscope from sections of each region of interest. The density of each sensory receptor subtype was calculated relative to capsule volume.
RESULTS
Sensory receptors were distributed in the glenohumeral joint capsule with free nerve endings. The anterior capsule exhibited the highest median density of all 4 sensory receptors examined, followed by the superior, inferior, and posterior capsules. The median densities of these sensory receptor subtypes also significantly differed (P = .007), with type I (Ruffini corpuscles) receptors having the highest density (2.97 U/cm), followed by type IV (free nerve endings, 2.25 U/cm), type II (Pacinian corpuscles, 1.40 U/cm), and type III (Golgi corpuscles, 0.24 U/cm) receptors.
CONCLUSION
Sensory receptor subtypes are differentially expressed in the glenohumeral joint capsule, primarily type I and IV sensory receptors. The expression of sensory receptors was dominant in the anterior capsule, stressing the important role of proprioception feedback for joint stability. The surgical procedure for shoulder instability should consider the topography of sensory receptors to preserve or restore the proprioception of the shoulder joint.
Topics: Aged; Cadaver; Female; Humans; Joint Capsule; Joint Instability; Male; Mechanoreceptors; Middle Aged; Nerve Endings; Proprioception; Sensory Receptor Cells; Shoulder Joint
PubMed: 32707328
DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2020.07.006 -
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 -
Journal of Cutaneous Pathology Jul 2020
Review
Topics: Animals; Biopsy; Chick Embryo; Diagnosis, Differential; Hand; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Male; Middle Aged; Neuroma; Pacinian Corpuscles; S100 Proteins; Thumb
PubMed: 32569416
DOI: 10.1111/cup.13637