Merkel cells do not require trophic maintenance from the nerves in adult human skin.
A 34-year-old Japanese man with hereditary sensory neuropathy was examined to evaluate the distribution, density and inter-relationship between Merkel cells and peripheral nerves in the skin. An epidermal sheet of affected plantar skin showed numerous CAM 5.2-reactive Merkel cells, whereas PGP 9.5-reactive peripheral nerves were completely absent in the epidermis and dermis. These findings strongly suggest that Merkel cells do not require trophic maintenance from nerves in adult human skin.
Narisawa
Y
Y
Department of Internal Medicine, Saga Medical School, Japan.
Kohda
H
H
D000328:Adult; D009477:Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathies / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008297:Male; D018862:Merkel Cells / Q000473:pathology*; D012867:Skin / Q000294:innervation* / Q000473:pathology