Merkel cell-neurite complexes in the hard palate of the Wistar rat (Rattus norvegicus)

doi:10.1016/0003-9969(84)90063-3

Archives of Oral Biology

Volume 29, Issue 3, 1984, Pages 249-251

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Abstract

The complexes were found in the basal layer of the epithelium of the rugae of the ante- and intermolar area of the palate. Asymmetric membrane densities were observed between the Merkel cell and its neurite or the adjacent keratinocytes. The cytoplasm of the Merkel cell was characterized by an accumulation of membrane-bound dense granules at the neurite side of the cell and by a well developed Golgi apparatus at its keratinocyte side.

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A comparative electron microscopic analysis of mechanoreceptors in the hard palate of the mouse (Mus musculus; Rodentia) and the musk shrew (Suncus murinus; insectivora)
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These mechanoreceptors were studied with particular regard to their type and the distribution. In both species they were concentrated in the crests of transverse palatine rugae. In the mouse, Meissner corpuscles, glomerular corpuscles, and Merkel cell nerve endings were seen in every palatine ruga, though the first antemolar ruga also contained simple and atypical lamellated corpuscles. In contrast, the palatine rugae of the musk shrew contained only simple corpuscles and Merkel cell nerve endings. Meissner corpuscles in the mouse palate were frequently aggregated to form a palisade-like, huge corpuscle. Anterior intermolar rugae especially contained a larger number of such huge corpuscles. Simple corpuscles in the palate of the musk shrew were more densely distributed in the anterior than in the posterior rugae. In both species Merkel cell nerve endings were localized within epithelial downgrowths of the rugal crest. These downgrowths tended to increase in number anteroposteriorly.
Ultrastructure of intra-epithelial nerve endings in the hard palate of the rat, Rattus norvegicus
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The ultrastructure is described of lanceolate and free nerve endings within the epithelium of the papillae of the intermolar palatal rugae, located either between the basement membranes and the bases of the epithelial cells, or suprabasally in the intercellular spaces of the epithelium. Cytoplasmic processes of epithelial cells invaginated the Schwann cells of the nerve endings; junctions between, or fusion of, the cell membranes of the epithelial cells and the Schwann cells were not found. The neurites of the nervous structures were characterized by numerous mitochondria, clear-cored vesicles and an axoplasmic reticulum. In lanceolate endings, asymmetric membrane densities existed between the neurite and its Schwann cell, the Schwann cell showing signs of pinocytotic activity at all sides of its plasma membrane. The basal lamina of the Schwann cell covering of the nerve endings appeared to be continuous with the basal lamina of the epithelium.
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Short communicationMerkel cell-neurite complexes in the hard palate of the Wistar rat (Rattus norvegicus)

Abstract

J. invest. Derm.

Expl Neurol.

Archs oral Biol.

Archs oral Biol.

Morphology of cutaneous receptors

A quantitative study of cutaneous receptors and afferent fibres in the cat and rabbit

J. Physiol., Lond.

Short communication
Merkel cell-neurite complexes in the hard palate of the Wistar rat (Rattus norvegicus)