Recent progress in studies on Merkel cell biology

Authors: Tachibana, Tamiko; Nawa, Tokio¹

Source: Anatomical Science International, Volume 77, Number 1, March 2002 , pp. 25-32(8)

Publisher: Blackwell Publishing

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Abstract:

Merkel cells ubiquitously distribute in the skin of vertebrates, from cyclostomes to mammals. It is well known that mammalian Merkel cells coupled with axon terminals of type I sensory nerve fibers form slowly adapting mechanoreceptors, Merkel endings, within the epidermis. However, there are still many unresolved problems in the biology of Merkel cells. We reviewed recently acquired knowledge about the histochemical nature of Merkel cell granules, the morphpological heterogeneity of Merkel cells and the roles of neurotrophins and their receptors for the development and survival of the cells. We discuss the functional significance of Merkel cell granules and the heterogeneity of Merkel cell populations.

Keywords: Merkel cells; Merkel cell granules; morphological heterogeneity; neurotrophin dependency

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1046/j.0022-7722.2002.00008.x

Affiliations: 1: Second Department of Oral Anatomy, School of Dentistry, Iwate Medical University, Morioka, Japan

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