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Methionine-enkephalin immunoreactivity in Merkel cell dense-core granules of nude mice sinus hair. A post-embedding
1Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T.
Abstract:
The ultra-immunocytochemical technique applied in the present study revealed the occurrence of methionine-enkephalin (met-enkephalin)-like substance in the dense-core granules of Merkel cells of nude mice sinus hair. Incubation of ultra-thin sections of sinus hair with met-enkephalin antisera conjugated with gold particles showed specific association of gold particles on the dense-core granules of the Merkel cells. Gold particles were heavily and specifically located on the dense-core granules as well as in the adjacent cytoplasm. Dense-core granules of degenerating Merkel cells also exhibit met-enkephalin immunoreactivity. The nerve terminals associated with the Merkel cell did not show met-enkephalin immunoreactivity. Therefore, it is concluded that a met-enkephalin-like substance is present and stored in nude mice Merkel cell dense-core granules and it might act as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator which could be involved in the functioning of the cell. Non-osmicated tissue should be used to locate this substance because of the possibility of cross-linkage of the amino acid sequence with osmium tetroxide.
Insights
Methionine-enkephalin, a neurotransmitter candidate, was found in nude mice Merkel cell granules. This substance may play a role in Merkel cell function, acting as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Immunocytochemistry
Background:
- Merkel cells are sensory receptors in the skin involved in touch sensation.
- The presence and function of neuropeptides within Merkel cells are not fully understood.
- Nude mice provide a model for studying cellular interactions without T-cell mediated immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and localization of methionine-enkephalin (met-enkephalin)-like substance in Merkel cells of nude mice sinus hair.
- To determine if met-enkephalin is stored in specific cellular compartments within Merkel cells.
- To explore the potential role of met-enkephalin as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator in Merkel cell function.
Main Methods:
- Ultra-immunocytochemistry was employed to detect met-enkephalin.
- Gold particle-conjugated met-enkephalin antisera were used for ultrastructural localization.
- Non-osmicated tissue was utilized to prevent cross-linking artifacts.
Main Results:
- Met-enkephalin-like substance was identified within the dense-core granules of nude mice Merkel cells.
- Specific gold particle labeling was observed on these dense-core granules and in the adjacent cytoplasm.
- Met-enkephalin immunoreactivity was also detected in degenerating Merkel cells.
- Associated nerve terminals did not exhibit met-enkephalin immunoreactivity.
Conclusions:
- A met-enkephalin-like substance is present and stored in the dense-core granules of nude mice Merkel cells.
- This substance may function as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator, potentially influencing Merkel cell activity.
- Careful tissue preparation, avoiding osmium tetroxide, is crucial for accurate localization of this substance.