title: Neuronal structural proteins, transmitters, transmitter enzymes and neuropeptides in human Meissner's corpuscles: a reappraisal using immunohistochemistry.
abstract: The innervation of Meissner's corpuscles (Mc) is complex, consisting of different types of sensory nerve fibers. We investigated the neurochemistry of Mc in human digital skin by indirect immunofluorescence, using a wide panel of both general neuronal as well as neurotransmitter-related molecules. Structural proteins (protein gene product 9.5, neuron-specific enolase, neurofilament) were found to consistently label the entire neuronal component of Mc. Immunoreactivity for gamma-melanocyte stimulating hormone was detected in the large diameter fibers running spirally within the corpuscles, while a number of peptide transmitters (substance P, calcitonin gene-related peptide, neurokinin A, galanin, somatostatin) were found in the thin unmyelinated fibers in both intra- and extracorpuscular locations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Johansson
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fantini
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008465:Mechanoreceptors / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism*; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism*; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000378:metabolism*; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism*; D012867:Skin / Q000294:innervation
chemical_list: D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D009479:Neuropeptides; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents