Abstract
Objectives: To analyze the immunohistochemical profile of the human pancreatic pacinian corpuscles in comparison with that of the cutaneous pacinian corpuscles. In addition, we studied a Pacinilike corpuscle found in the adventitia of a pancreatic artery. Methods: We used immunohistochemistry to detect specific antigens for corpuscular constituents, specific antibodies for the identification of Aδ- and C-sensory fibers and for the detection of several growth factor receptors, and some members of the degenerin/epithelial Na channel superfamily of proteins. Results: Approximately 62% of pancreatic pacinian corpuscles have 2 to 10 axonic profiles each enclosed by its own inner core: 1 or 2 of these axonic profiles displayed RT-97 immunoreactivity (specific marker of mechanical axons). The cutaneous pacinian corpuscles showed not more than 2 axonic profiles with identical immunohistochemical characteristics. The expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein, epithelial membrane antigen, and tyrosine receptor kinase B was different between pancreatic and cutaneous pacinian corpuscles; the pattern of distribution of degenerin/epithelial Na channel proteins was identical in both cases. The arterial Pacinilike corpuscles displayed a specific immunohistochemical profile. Conclusions: Pancreatic pacinian corpuscles slightly differ from the cutaneous ones, and these differences could be related to topography, growth factor requirements, or function of pacinian corpuscles in the pancreas.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 403-410 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Pancreas |
Volume | 39 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 2010 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Blood vessels
- Human pacinian corpuscles
- Immunohistochemistry
- Pancreas
- Skin
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Hepatology
- Internal Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism