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Merkel cell mitoses in vibrissae: an ultrastructural study
Y Mérot1, P Carraux, J H Saurat
1Clinique de Dermatologie, Hôpital Cantonal Universitaire, Geneva, Switzerland.
Journal of Anatomy
|August 1, 1987
Summary
This study provides the first ultrastructural evidence of Merkel cell division. These specialized skin cells, identified by unique granules, were observed undergoing mitosis in developing mouse embryos, indicating in-skin proliferation.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Merkel cells are specialized neuroendocrine cells in the skin.
- Their role in sensation and development is not fully understood.
- Previous studies have not described Merkel cell division.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide the first ultrastructural description of Merkel cell mitosis.
- To investigate the proliferative capacity of Merkel cells during embryonic development.
Main Methods:
- Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine skin tissue from mouse embryos.
- Mitotic Merkel cells were identified based on characteristic ultrastructural features, including dense-cored granules.
Main Results:
- Four mitotic Merkel cells were identified in vibrissal hair follicles of 12, 13, and 14-day-old mouse embryos.
- These mitotic cells exhibited the characteristic dense-cored membrane-bound granules of Merkel cells.
- The observed ultrastructure confirmed these were indeed Merkel cells undergoing division.
Conclusions:
- Merkel cell proliferation occurs during embryonic development.
- This finding contributes to understanding Merkel cell development and skin morphogenesis.
- The presence of characteristic granules during mitosis supports their unique identity.