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Shoulder & Elbow Aug 2019The topographic arrangement of sensory receptors in the human elbow joint capsule is pertinent to their role in the transmission of neural signals. The signals from...
BACKGROUND
The topographic arrangement of sensory receptors in the human elbow joint capsule is pertinent to their role in the transmission of neural signals. The signals from stimuli in the joint are concisely delivered via afferent pathways to allow recognition of pain and proprioception. Sensory receptors in the elbow joint include mechanoreceptors and free nerve endings acting as nociceptors, although the distribution of each of the structures has not been determined, despite their importance for the integrity of the joint. We therefore aimed to investigate the neuroanatomical distribution and densities of mechanoreceptors and free nerve endings in the capsule of the elbow, at the same time as considering surgical approaches that would result in the minimum insult to them.
METHODS
Four elbow joint capsules were harvested from fresh cadavers. The specimens were carefully separated from adjacent osteoligamentous attachments and the capsular complex was stained with a modified gold chloride method. Evaluations of free nerve endings, and Golgi, Ruffini and Pacinian corpuscles were performed under an inverted light microscope. The number and density of each structure were recorded.
RESULTS
Ruffini corpuscles observed to be the dominant mechanoreceptor type. No Golgi corpuscle was observed. Free nerve endings were found at the highest density at posterodistal sites, whereas mechanoreceptors were most frequent at bony attachment sites.
CONCLUSIONS
A consistent distribution pattern of articular sensory receptors was observed, which allows further understanding of elbow pathology. An awareness of the neuroanatomical distribution of sensory receptors in the elbow joint capsule may allow their preservation during surgical procedures for elbow joint pathology.
PubMed: 31316591
DOI: 10.1177/1758573218760245 -
GMS Interdisciplinary Plastic and... 2019Vater-Pacini neuromas are rare causes of severe pain in the phalanges. The cause of this change in the tactile corpuscles is unknown. A traumatic cause has been...
Vater-Pacini neuromas are rare causes of severe pain in the phalanges. The cause of this change in the tactile corpuscles is unknown. A traumatic cause has been plausibly demonstrated, at least in some cases. Here, the rare occurrence of a Vater-Pacini neuroma in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 is reported. The discussion addresses the difficulties of terminology and current diagnostic procedures for differentiating small nodular masses of the palm and digits. The surgical treatment leads to rapid relief of the symptoms.
PubMed: 30984511
DOI: 10.3205/iprs000129 -
Journal of Anatomy Jun 2019Decline of tactile sensation associated with ageing depends on modifications in skin and both central and peripheral nervous systems. At present, age-related changes in...
Decline of tactile sensation associated with ageing depends on modifications in skin and both central and peripheral nervous systems. At present, age-related changes in the periphery of the somatosensory system, particularly concerning the effects on mechanoreceptors, remain unknown. Here we used immunohistochemistry to analyse the age-dependent changes in Meissner's and Pacinian corpuscles as well as in Merkel cell-neurite complexes. Moreover, variations in the neurotrophic TrkB-BDNF system and the mechanoprotein Piezo2 (involved in maintenance of cutaneous mechanoreceptors and light touch, respectively) were evaluated. The number of Meissner's corpuscles and Merkel cells decreased progressively with ageing. Meissner's corpuscles were smaller, rounded in morphology and located deeper in the dermis, and signs of corpuscular denervation were found in the oldest subjects. Pacinian corpuscles generally showed no relevant age-related alterations. Reduced expression of Piezo2 in the axon of Meissner's corpuscles and in Merkel cells was observed in old subjects, as well was a decline in the BDNF-TrkB neurotrophic system. This study demonstrates that cutaneous Meissner's corpuscles and Merkel cell-neurite complexes (and less evidently Pacinian corpuscles) undergo morphological and size changes during the ageing process, as well as a reduction in terms of density. Furthermore, the mechanoprotein Piezo2 and the neurotrophic TrkB-BDNF system are reduced in aged corpuscles. Taken together, these alterations might explain part of the impairment of the somatosensory system associated with ageing.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging; Female; Fingers; Humans; Male; Mechanoreceptors; Merkel Cells; Middle Aged; Pacinian Corpuscles; Skin; Touch; Young Adult
PubMed: 30924930
DOI: 10.1111/joa.12983 -
Journal of Anatomy Jun 2019The ligament of the head of femur (LHF), or ligamentum teres, is believed to provide blood supply to the head of femur and mechanical stability to the hip joint. But...
The ligament of the head of femur (LHF), or ligamentum teres, is believed to provide blood supply to the head of femur and mechanical stability to the hip joint. But these functions in the adult are often debated. The existence and distribution of neurovascular structures within the ligament are not widely documented. This study examined the blood vessels and nervous tissue within the LHF to determine whether the ligament may have a vascular and proprioceptive function at the hip joint. Histological sections from the LHF from 10 embalmed hips (six female, four male; mean age 80.4 ± 8.7 years) were cut at three levels: the foveal attachment, mid-length and its base where it attaches to the transverse acetabular ligament. Sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin to study general tissue architecture or with von Willebrand factor and neurofilament to identify blood vessels and nervous tissue, respectively. The proportion of the ligament's cross-sectional area occupied by blood vessels was expressed as a vascularity index (VI). Nerve endings within the ligament were identified and morphologically classified. Comparisons between the VI at the three levels, or between the tissue layers of the ligament, were made using 95% confidence intervals; statistical significance was set P < 0.05. The ligament tissue comprised three distinct layers: a synovial lining with cuboidal cells, a sub-synovial zone formed of loose connective tissue and the ligament proper composed of dense collagen bundles. Patent blood vessels and nerve fibres were present both in the sub-synovial zone and the ligament proper; Pacinian corpuscles and free nerve endings were found scattered only in the sub-synovial zone. The VI of the ligament proper at the fovea was significantly higher than its middle (P = 0.01) and basal levels (P = 0.04); it was also higher than that of the sub-synovial layer (P = 0.04). The LHF has three histologically distinct zones, and blood vessels and nerves are distributed both in the sub-synovial layer and ligament proper. Higher vascularity within the ligament proper at its foveal insertion suggests a possible nutritive role of the LHF to the adult head of femur. The presence of nerves and nerve receptors indicates the ligament is involved in the perception of pain and proprioception, thereby contributing to mechanical stability of the joint.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cadaver; Female; Femur; Hip Joint; Humans; Male; Round Ligament of Femur
PubMed: 30882902
DOI: 10.1111/joa.12979 -
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.... Nov 2018Guyon's syndrome results from a lesion of the ulnar nerve at the wrist caused by several conditions. The most common causes are ganglion, lipomas, fractures of the...
Guyon's syndrome results from a lesion of the ulnar nerve at the wrist caused by several conditions. The most common causes are ganglion, lipomas, fractures of the radius or pisiform bone, occupational trauma, neuritis, musculotendinous arch, and diseases of the ulnar artery. The clinical presentation varies with the site of lesion, as described by Sean and McClain in 1969, and can involve combined sensory and motor deficits, motor deficit alone, or sensory deficit alone. We present a case of bilateral Guyon's canal syndrome caused by a lipoma with Pacinian corpuscles on both wrists. Patient presented with sensory deficit as it is described by Shea and McClain with a negative electroneuromyography for ulnar compression. Articles correlating clinical presentation, etiology, and electrophysiological findings relating to ulnar nerve compression on the wrist are still uncommon in the literature.
PubMed: 30881781
DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000001946 -
Asia-Pacific Journal of Sports... Oct 2018Active restraint for the elbow joint is provided by the soft tissue component, which consists of a musculoligamentous complex. A lesion of the lateral collateral...
BACKGROUND
Active restraint for the elbow joint is provided by the soft tissue component, which consists of a musculoligamentous complex. A lesion of the lateral collateral ligament complex (LCLC) is thought to be the primary cause of posterolateral rotatory instability in the elbow. Its role as a protective reflexogenic structure is supported by the existence of ultrastructural mechanoreceptors. The aim of this study was to describe the existence and distribution of LCLC mechanoreceptors in the human elbow joint and to determine their role in providing joint stability.
METHODS
Eight LCLCs were harvested from fresh frozen cadaver elbows. Specimens were carefully separated from the lateral epicondyle and ulna. The ligament complex was divided into 7 regions of interest and stained with modified gold chloride. Microscopic evaluation was performed for Golgi, Ruffini, and Pacinian corpuscles. The number, distribution, and density of each structure were recorded.
RESULTS
Golgi, Ruffini, and Pacinian corpuscles were observed in LCLCs, with variable distribution in each region of interest. Ruffini corpuscles showed the highest total mechanoreceptor density. Mechanoreceptor density was higher at bony attachment sites.
CONCLUSION
The existence and role of each mechanoreceptor defined the purpose of each region of interest. Mechanoreceptors are beneficial for its proprioceptive feature towards a successful elbow ligament reconstruction.
PubMed: 30302315
DOI: 10.1016/j.asmart.2018.04.001 -
Anatomical Record (Hoboken, N.J. : 2007) Feb 2019Chondroitin sulfate is a glycosaminoglycan involved in maintaining the morphofunctional properties of the extracellular matrix in peripheral nerves, but its distribution...
Chondroitin sulfate is a glycosaminoglycan involved in maintaining the morphofunctional properties of the extracellular matrix in peripheral nerves, but its distribution in human sensory corpuscles is unknown despite the role of extracellular matrix in mechanotransduction and axonal guidance. In this study we used immunohistochemistry to analyze the distribution of chondroitin sulfate in human cutaneous Meissner and Pacinian corpuscles. Chondroitin sulfate expression was absent from Meissner corpuscles. In Pacinian corpuscles chondroitin sulfate was found associated to a CD34 positive endoneurial-related layer, interposed between the S100 protein positive inner core cells, and the vimentin positive inner core and outer core-capsule cells. Therefore, the intermediate CD34+/chondroitin sulfate+ intermediate layer present in Pacinian corpuscles isolates the neural segment of the corpuscles (axon and inner core) from the non-neural segments (outer core and capsule). These results suggest a role of chondroitin sulfate in the proper axonal growth and guidance, within the neuronal compartment of the Pacinian corpuscles during development and reinnervation, can be hypothesized. Moreover, a role of CS in mechanotransduction cannot be ruled out. Anat Rec, 302:325-331, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Chondroitin Sulfates; Ganglia, Sensory; Humans; Mechanoreceptors; Mechanotransduction, Cellular; Middle Aged; Pacinian Corpuscles; Peripheral Nerves; Skin; Young Adult
PubMed: 30299593
DOI: 10.1002/ar.23951 -
Anatomical Record (Hoboken, N.J. : 2007) Nov 2018Pacinian corpuscles are vibration-sensing mechanoreceptors that are densely distributed in the dermis of the human hand. Although they are also known to occur in various...
Pacinian corpuscles are vibration-sensing mechanoreceptors that are densely distributed in the dermis of the human hand. Although they are also known to occur in various other regions/structures throughout the human body, including the adventitia of large vessels, their precise distribution and function in arteries remain unclear. In the present study, we identified Pacini-like lamellar corpuscles (LCs) adjacent to the femoral artery, and investigated their distribution with respect to that structure via a histological analysis. We identified nine LCs that were localized in the connective tissue surrounding the femoral artery and vein. We showed that although their distribution was heterogeneous, they were predominantly concentrated on the dorsal side of the femoral artery. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that the identified femoral artery LCs exhibited features characteristic of typical LCs located in the dermis of the index finger. Thus, the results of the present study contribute to an improved understanding of the function of femoral artery LCs. Anat Rec, 301:1809-1814, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Femoral Artery; Humans; Male; Pacinian Corpuscles
PubMed: 30294881
DOI: 10.1002/ar.23934 -
Muscles, Ligaments and Tendons Journal 2017Tendons contain neurosensory elements called mechanoreceptors which contribute to the neuromuscular system as sources of reflex signals. The literature is lacking in...
INTRODUCTION
Tendons contain neurosensory elements called mechanoreceptors which contribute to the neuromuscular system as sources of reflex signals. The literature is lacking in histological assessment of mechanoreceptors of the Achilles tendon in piglets and our aim was to indicate their types, location and quantity.
METHODS
The study was performed using histological tissue samples from the Achilles tendon of ten healthy pigs, five left, five right, six males, four females. The samples were taken up to 12 hours after death. Immediately after removal, the tendons were placed in the laboratory where sections were taken and examined microscopically. The tendons were stained with the gold chloride method.
RESULTS
The results showed that Golgi tendon organs, free nerve endings and Pacinian-like corpuscles were found in the Achilles tendon of pigs. Most structures were near the osteotendinous and myotendinous junctions, away from the middle portion of the tendon.
CONCLUSION
As shown in other studies and similarly in ours, mechanoreceptors tend to be close to the distant thirds and not in the middle third of the tendon. This study could have clinical application on human Achilles tendon and its repair after damage.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
IV.
PubMed: 29721457
DOI: 10.11138/mltj/2017.7.4.558 -
Journal of Visualized Experiments : JoVE Mar 2018Proprioception may be the least well measured of all contributors to the neural control of movement. New precise, reliable measures of proprioception are needed for...
Proprioception may be the least well measured of all contributors to the neural control of movement. New precise, reliable measures of proprioception are needed for clinical diagnosis of impairment, and to measure outcomes of proprioceptive training. The purpose of this simple, non-invasive method is to temporarily knockdown upper limb proprioception in healthy adults, to an extent that would be useful in the development and testing of upper limb proprioception measures. Knockdown models have two main advantages over studying humans with impaired proprioception: participant availability and the ability to control the extent of impairment across participants. Current published methods of temporary proprioception knockdown of the upper limb, such as ischemic nerve blocks and cryotherapy, are invasive, impractical, or uncomfortable for the participant. Here, vibration over the ulnar groove was used to reduce upper limb proprioception. High frequency vibration may reduce proprioceptive acuity by inhibiting pacinian corpuscle-induced input. The effect of vibration used in this protocol was confirmed using two quantitative measures. This method was simple to administer, comfortable for participants, and practical.
Topics: Adult; Arm; Female; Humans; Male; Movement; Proprioception; Vibration
PubMed: 29553516
DOI: 10.3791/57218