A multiphysics model of the Pacinian corpuscle

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Neuroscience
• Mechanobiology

Background:

• Pacinian corpuscles (PCs) are key mechanoreceptors for high-frequency vibrations.
• Understanding PC structure-function relationships is crucial for tactile sensation.
• Existing models often lack integrated mechanical and electrochemical components.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a multi-stage model simulating the entire Pacinian corpuscle system.
• To investigate the mechanical amplification and adaptation mechanisms within PCs.
• To explore how PC size influences tactile frequency response.

Main Methods:

• Combined mechanical models of PC lamellae with electrochemical models of neurites.
• Developed a three-stage model: outer core mechanics, inner core mechanics, and neurite electrochemistry.
• Simulated responses to vibratory stimuli and varied PC sizes.

Main Results:

• The model accurately predicts the PC's band-pass frequency response.
• PC structure amplifies vibratory strain by 8-12 times from surface to neurite.
• Rapid adaptation is attributed to lamellar mechanics, not neuronal factors.
• Simulated size variations shifted frequency response, suggesting nuanced tactile encoding.

Conclusions:

• The integrated model elucidates PC mechano-to-neural transduction.
• Lamellar structure is key to PC rapid adaptation.
• PC size diversity may enhance tactile perception.
• This framework aids in understanding mechanosensation and receptor interactions.