Met enkephalin-like immunoreactivity in Merkel cells.
The Merkel cells from sinus hair follicles of rats were investigated by immunohistochemistry using different antisera against neuropeptides and gastroenteropancreatic (GEP)-hormones. For the first time it has been demonstrated that Merkel cells exhibit an immunoreactivity towards metenkephalin (methionine-enkephalin). The met-enkephalin immunoreactivity was restricted to Merkel cells and was not found in associated nerve axons or terminals. Denervation of Merkel cells did not affect the met-enkephalin immunoreactivity. Antisera leu-enkephalin (leucine-enkephalin) and other polypeptides did not produce an immunoreaction. The demonstration of met-enkephalin-like immunoreactivity supports the concept that the Merkel cell is a member of the paraneuronal system and a potential neuroreceptor cell.
D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000502:physiology; D004723:Endorphins / Q000378:metabolism*; D004745:Enkephalins / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D007120:Immunochemistry; D008297:Male; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D051381:Rats; D011984:Sensory Receptor Cells / Q000502:physiology
D004723:Endorphins; D004745:Enkephalins