[Histochemical pictures in hamster Pacinian corpuscles in relation to body growth stages]

Morphological and histochemical examination of Pacinian corpuscles (PC) in two batches of 2-3 day-old and 8-month-old hamsters is reported. The method of Gerebtzoff and Koelle was used for AChE and the Goglia modification of Ruffini's auric impregnation technique. AChE in the neonates was either absent or present in the granular centre or a limited area of some CP's, between the capsule and the axial centre. In the adults, a more intense reaction affecting most CP's, particularly high concentrations displayed by the Goglia technique in the granular centre, capsule and the apparatus of Timofeew. Cholinergic fibres were also demonstrated on the CP exterior. These were connected to the capsule and branched with other fibres to form a nervos network that most likely formed the so-called local integrative circuits. It was found that CP's do not reach morphological and functional maturity for some time after birth. Their development is also related to that of their internal and external sensitive and vegetative nerve structures.