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Published on: July 27, 2011
Immunocytochemical identification of proteins within the Pacinian corpuscle
L Pawson1, N B Slepecky, S J Bolanowski
1Department of Bioengineering and Neuroscience and the Institute for Sensory Research, Syracuse University, NY 13244-5290, USA.
Somatosensory & Motor Research
|July 15, 2000
Summary
Pacinian corpuscles (PCs) contain specific proteins in their accessory capsule and neurite, suggesting distinct structural and functional roles for each region. Cytoplasmic extensions rich in actin may be involved in mechanotransduction.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Pacinian corpuscles (PCs) are mechanoreceptors crucial for sensing touch and vibration.
- The structural and molecular composition of PC accessory capsules and neurites is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution of key structural and signaling proteins within the accessory capsule and neurite of Pacinian corpuscles.
- To elucidate the potential functional implications of protein localization in PC mechanotransduction.
Main Methods:
- Light- and electron-microscopic immunocytochemistry (ICC) was employed.
- Antibodies against tubulin, neurofilament 200, actin, collagen II and V, GFAP, and S-100 were utilized.
Main Results:
- Type II collagen localized to the outer capsule core; Type V collagen to the intermediate growth zone.
- GFAP and S-100 proteins were restricted to the inner core.
- Actin was present throughout the capsule and highly concentrated in neurite cytoplasmic extensions (filopodia).
- Microtubules and neurofilaments were found in the neurite but absent in filopodia.
Conclusions:
- Differential protein distribution suggests specialized functions for distinct regions of the PC accessory capsule.
- The actin-rich filopodia of the neurite may play a significant role in mechanotransduction, analogous to stereocilia.
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