Structural and functional dissection of the Pacinian corpuscle reveals an active role of the inner core in touch detection.

ABSTRACT: Pacinian corpuscles are rapidly adapting mechanoreceptor end-organs that detect transient touch and high-frequency vibration. In the prevailing model, these properties are determined by the outer core, which acts as a mechanical filter limiting static and low-frequency stimuli from reaching the afferent terminal-the sole site of touch detection in corpuscles. Here, we determine the detailed 3D architecture of corpuscular components and reveal their contribution to touch detection. We show that the outer core is dispensable for rapid adaptation and frequency tuning. Instead, these properties arise from the inner core, composed of gap junction-coupled lamellar Schwann cells (LSCs) surrounding the afferent terminal. By acting as additional touch sensing structures, LSCs potentiate mechanosens

SUBMITTER: Ziolkowski LH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11383032 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature