Related Experiment Videos
Merkel cells in human fetal eccrine glands
Y Narisawa1, K Hashimoto, H Kohda
1Department of Internal Medicine, Saga Medical School, Japan.
The British Journal of Dermatology
|November 1, 1993
Summary
Human Merkel cells migrate into developing eccrine glands during fetal development. These specialized skin cells concentrate in eccrine structures, suggesting a role in nerve plexus formation.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Merkel cells are sensory cells found in the epidermis.
- Their precise localization and developmental origins within skin appendages remain areas of investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and localization of human Merkel cells in eccrine ridges and germs during fetal development.
- To explore the potential role of Merkel cells in the formation of the periglandular nerve plexus.
Main Methods:
- Utilized antibodies against simple epithelial keratins to identify Merkel cells.
- Examined separated epidermal sheets with attached eccrine ducts using three-dimensional whole-mount analysis.
- Studied plantar and scalp skin from human fetuses at various developmental stages (12, 15, 20 weeks) and adult skin.
Main Results:
- Merkel cells were randomly distributed in the fetal epidermis at 12 weeks.
- By 15 weeks, Merkel cells concentrated in eccrine gland ridges as germs developed.
- At 20 weeks, Merkel cells were found within developing eccrine ridges and ducts, with reduced concentration in adult skin.
- Similar patterns observed in fetal scalp skin, with reduced numbers in adults.
Conclusions:
- Epidermal Merkel cells appear to migrate into eccrine ducts during development.
- Alternatively, Merkel cells may originate de novo from eccrine duct keratinocytes.
- Fetal Merkel cells expressing nerve growth factor receptor may contribute to periglandular nerve plexus formation.