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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1977

The ultrastructure of the sensory nerve endings in the articular capsule of the knee joint of the domestic cat (Ruffini corpuscles and Pacinian corpuscles).

Two types of mechanoreceptor have been found in the articular capsule of the knee joint of the domestic cat--Ruffini corpuscles and Pacinian corpuscles. Ruffini corpuscles are situated in the stratum fibrosum and consist of 2 to 6 cylinders. Each cylinder is made up of an afferent axon (diameter 3-4 micrometer), its swellings and terminal processes, Schwann cells enveloping the nerve swellings and terminal processes, endoneural connective tissue and a perineural capsule. The perineural capsule is incomplete in Ruffini corpuscles. The Pacinian corpuscles are 20 to 40 micrometer wide and 150-250 micrometer long. They are situated in groups of up to five at the boundary between the stratum synoviale and the stratum fibrosum. The afferent axon is myelinated (diameter 3-5 micrometer). Its terminal portion is inside the inner bulb which is formed of modified Schwann cells. Each corpuscle is enveloped by a perineural capsule (4-8 layers). The ultrastructure of the Pacinian corpuscles is compared with the ultrastructure of the skin receptors in the cat.

Animals↗

PubMed1987

Role of extracellular matrix in the regeneration of a pacinian corpuscle.

The pacinian corpuscle is composed of an inner and an outer core or bulb. The former is formed by tightly packed and multi-layered thin cellular processes (lamellae) of lamellar cells which surround a centrally located axon terminal, and the latter, also called the capsule, is made up of very loosely piled layers of thin cells which encircle the inner core. Lamellar cells of the inner core are considered to be specialized Schwann cells, and the outer core cells are modified perineurial cells. In the present study, the matrix filling the extracellular spaces of the inner core consisted of basal lamina-like amorphous materials, sparce fine collagen fibrils, and the ground substance embedding these structural components. No definite basal laminae were found on the inner core lamellae except on the peripherally located ones which had distinct basal laminae. Outer-core cells were invested along the entire contour by distinct basal laminae. The interspace between the inner and outer cores was a continuation of the nerve endoneurium. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether the extracellular matrix of the pacinian corpuscle, especially that of the inner core, has the ability to cause corpuscle regeneration, i.e. to make the regenerating axons and Schwann cells differentiate into corpuscular axon terminals and inner core cells, respectively. Pacinian corpuscles in the periosteum at the distal end of the fibula of mice were repeatedly frozen (3-5 times) in situ with forceps cooled with liquid nitrogen. Within 2-3 days, all the cellular constituents of the corpuscle had degraded, while the extracellular matrices of the inner and outer cores apparently remained undamaged. After 5-7 days, regenerating axons and accompanying immature Schwann cells entered these extracellular matrices of the inner cores. A remarkable finding was that these immature Schwann cells were detached from the axon, and sent thin cellular processes around the axon in a characteristic fashion, basically forming the same pattern as lamellae in a normal corpuscle. The regeneration of the inner core was completed by about 40 days after the freezing treatment. In the outer core, perineurial cells proliferated and extended through the basal lamina tubes of the old cells, becoming new outer core cells. These findings indicate that the extracellular matrix of the pacinian corpuscle has a specific property to cause the regeneration of the corpuscle.

Animals↗

PubMed1968

Depolarizing and hyperpolarizing receptor potentials in the non-myelinated nerve terminal in pacinian corpuscles.

1. Pacinian corpuscles or non-myelinated nerve terminals in Pacinian corpuscles, from which lamellae had been removed, were stimulated with linearly increasing compression of varying rate, which decayed linearly after a maximum compression.2. An impulse was initiated with a compression having a rate of increase greater than a critical slope. The critical slope was 1.1-1.2 rheobase/msec in both intact corpuscles and decapsulated terminals.3. The receptor potential of the terminal increased in magnitude and rate of rise with an increase in the rate of compression. Its rate of rise was linearly related to the rate of compression.4. Hyperpolarization was observed on removal of compression, and an impulse was initiated upon recovery of the hyperpolarized membrane potential.5. In some corpuscles or decapsulated terminals hyperpolarization was produced on compression and a depolarizing response was produced upon removal of compression. After rotation by 90 degrees along their long axis, they produced depolarization on compression.6. Difference in the directional sensitivity of corpuscles and decapsulated terminals was confirmed and was explained on the basis of the shape of the terminal.7. On- and off-responses of variable latency recorded from a central portion of the axon to Pacinian corpuscles were explained by the depolarizing and hyperpolarizing responses in the terminal.

Animals↗

PubMed1957

Electron microscopy of the pacinian corpuscle.

The Pacinian corpuscle has a framework of cytoplasmic lamellae arranged concentrically in the outer zone, and bilaterally in the core. Between these is an intermediate growth zone. The inner core shows an unexpected complexity in that its component lamellae are arranged in two symmetrical groups of nested cytoplasmic sheets. Longitudinal tissue spaces form clefts separating the two groups. The perikarya of the core lamellae lie in or near the intermediate growth zone, and send arms into the clefts. The arms then branch and terminate as lamellae which interdigitate with those of neighboring cells. The single nerve fiber loses its myelin sheath just before it reaches the inner core but retains its Schwann cell cytoplasmic covering for a short additional distance. The Schwann sheath is not continuous with the lamellae of the inner core. Inside the core the fiber contains a striking circumferential palisade of radially disposed mitochondria. The fiber does not arborize. Vascular capillaries penetrate the hilar region of the corpuscle only as far as the myelinated sheath of the nerve, and they have not been seen elsewhere in the corpuscle. There is direct continuity between the clefts of the core and tissue spaces in the vicinity of the capillaries. It is likely that this provides a route whereby metabolites reach the active nerve ending, as well as the cells of the growth zone. The outer zone consists of at least 30 flattened concentric cytoplasmic lamellae separated from one another by relatively wide fluid-filled spaces. Collagenous fibrils are present, particularly on the outer surface of lamellae, and tend to be oriented circularly. The girdle of proliferating cells constituting the growth zone, which is prominent in corpuscles from young animals, is the layer from which the outer lamellae are derived. Osmotic forces probably elevate the lamellae, and maintain turgor pressure.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Semi-serial electron-micrographic reconstruction of putative transducer sites in Pacinian corpuscles.

The Pacinian corpuscle (PC) is composed of an afferent neurite surrounded by an accessory capsule formed by concentric layers of lamellae. Projecting from the neurite, which is elliptical in cross-section, are "filopodia" or axonal, spike-like extensions. These filopodia are the putative sites of transduction. It has been proposed that two populations of filopodia organized in morphofunctional opposition exist, and that this arrangement is responsible for the bidirectional sensitivity of PCs as seen in receptor potential recordings. In order to explore this possibility, PCs obtained from cat mesentery were processed for electron microscopy, and semiserial reconstructions were made. We evaluated the extensions' (n > 110) locations, inclusions, shapes, and sizes. The filopodia were found to project along the major elliptical axis of the neurite, their density being approximately 2.8 per micron. The filopodia were found to contain filaments, vesicles, and amorphous ground substance, and dense accumulations of mitochondria were found at their bases. Measurements of their size (i.e., length, width, and height) suggest that there are two different types of filopodia. No other obvious relations among filopodial type, location along the neurite, and landmarks for transduction were found. The presence of the two filopodial types may be the basis for the bidirectional sensitivity of the PC.

Animals↗

PubMed1983

[Water-soluble proteins of Pacinian corpuscles].

The composition of water soluble proteins has been investigated in different parts of Pacinian corpuscles. The Pacinian corpuscles fluid proteins have been compared with the receptor homogenate proteins and blood serum of a cat. It is supposed that proteins of the Pacinian corpuscle fluid are produced from the blood system on the whole. The composition of the Pacinian corpuscle fluid as well as a great variety of glycoproteins in it allows to suppose that the Pacinian corpuscles fluid perform a transport function.

Albumins↗

PubMed1999

The extracellular matrix of rat pacinian corpuscles: an analysis of its fine structure.

The Pacinian corpuscle consists of a sensory axon terminal that is enveloped by two different structures, the inner core and the capsule. Since proteoglycans are extremely water soluble and are extracted by conventional methods for electron microscopy, the current picture of the structural composition of the extracellular matrix in the inner core and the capsule of the Pacinian corpuscle is incomplete. To study the structural composition of the extracellular matrix of the Pacinian corpuscles, cationic dyes (ruthenium red, alcian blue, acridine orange) and tannic acid were applied simultaneously with the aldehyde fixation. The interosseal Pacinian corpuscles of the rat were fixed either in 2% formaldehyde and 1.5% glutaraldehyde, with the addition of one of these cationic dyes or, in Zamboni's fixative, with tannic acid added. The cationic dyes and tannic acid revealed a different structural pattern of proteoglycans in the extracellular matrix in the inner core and in the capsule of the rat Pacinian corpuscles. The inner core surrounding the sensory axon terminal is a compartment containing proteoglycans that were distributed not only in the extracellular matrix but also in the cytoplasm of the lamellae. In addition, this excitable domain was separated from the capsular fluid by a thick layer of proteoglycans on its surface. An enlarged interlamellar space of the capsule contained large amounts of proteoglycans that were removed by digestion with chondroitinase-ABC. Ruthenium red and alcian blue provided only electron dense granules, probably corresponding to collapsed monomeric proteoglycan molecules. Acridine orange and tannic acid preserved proteoglycans very well and made it possible to visualize them as "bottlebrush" structures in the electron microscope. These results show that the inner core and the capsule of rat Pacinian corpuscles have different structural patterns of proteoglycans, which are probably involved in different functions.

Acridine Orange↗

PubMed2006

Abnormal development of pacinian corpuscles in double trkB;trkC knockout mice.

Pacinian corpuscles depend on either Aalpha or Abeta nerve fibers of the large- and intermediate-sized sensory neurons for the development and maintenance of the structural integrity. These neurons express TrkB and TrkC, two members of the family of signal transducing neurotrophin receptors, and mice lacking TrkB and TrkC lost specific neurons and the sensory corpuscles connected to them. The impact of single or double targeted mutations in trkB and trkC genes in the development of Pacinian corpuscles was investigated in 25-day-old mice using immunohistochemistry and ultrastructural techniques. Single mutations on trkB or trkC genes were without effect on the structure and S100 protein expression, and caused a slight reduction in the number of corpuscles. In mice carrying a double mutation on trkB;trkC genes most of the corpuscles were normal with a reduction of 17% in trkB-/-;trkC+/- mice, and 8% in trkB +/-;trkC -/- mice. Furthermore, a subset of the remaining Pacinian corpuscles (23% in trkB-/-;trkC+/- mice; 3% in trkB+/-;trkC-/- mice) were hypoplasic or atrophic. Present results strongly suggest that the development of a subset of murine Pacinian corpuscles is regulated by the Trk-neurotrophin system, especially TrkB, acting both at neuronal and/or peripheral level. The precise function of each member of this complex in the corpuscular morphogenesis remains to be elucidated, though.

Animals↗

PubMed1980

Rapid degeneration of developing rat Pacinian corpuscles after denervation.

The effect of denervation upon the development of Pacinian corpuscles was investigated in the crural interosseous membrane of the rat during the early postnatal period. When the sciatic nerve was transected in 1-day-old rats, further development of immature Pacinian corpuscles was arrested and their structure rapidly disintegrated. In the main cluster of corpuscles, Pacinian axon terminals degenerated within 12 h after the operation and were phagocytised by the inner core cells. Subsequently large dense inclusion bodies and vacuoles with dense debris appeared in the inner core and capsule, and cell autolysis and pyknosis ensued from the 2nd day onwards. The debris of degenerated cells was removed by macrophages and the disintegration of individual corpuscles was completed 2-5 days after nerve section. Normal interosseous membranes of 2-6-day-old rats contained 54.9 +/- 1.2 (+/- S.E.) Pacinian corpuscles, as revealed by staining for cholinesterase. The total days after denervation, dropped to 38% on day 3, decreased further to 15% on day 4 and reached zero values on day 5 after nerve section. The experiments demonstrate that the postnatal development and growth of the non-nervous components of Pacinian corpuscles is completely dependent upon the neuronal induction exerted by sensory axon terminals.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Nerve growth factor receptor immunoreactivity in Meissner and Pacinian corpuscles of the human digital skin.

The presence of nerve growth factor receptors (NGFr) in sensory nerve corpuscles of human digital skin, primarily Meissner and Pacinian corpuscles, was investigated immunohistochemically using two monoclonal antibodies directed against human-NGFr. To ensure the localization of NGFr immunoreactivity (IR) alternative sections to that processed for NGFr detection were assayed for neurofilament protein (NFP) and S-100 protein which selectively label the axon and the periaxonic specialized cells (lamellar cells of Meissner's corpuscles; inner-core cells of Pacinian corpuscles), respectively. Occurrence of NGFr IR was observed in both types of sensory corpuscles. In Meissner's corpuscles NGFr-IR was found in the lamellar cells, whereas in the Pacinian corpuscles the lamellae of the inner core, outer core, and capsule displayed NGFr IR. Moreover, a positive IR was observed in the central axon of some Pacinian corpuscles. However, remarkable differences were encountered among Pacinian corpuscles in the pattern of NGFr IR distribution. Present results demonstrate the presence of NGFr IR in sensory nerve corpuscles of the human digital skin, suggesting that NGFr could be involved in the concentration of NGF and in the conveying of this molecule from the cutaneous sources to the cell body of NGF-dependent primary sensory neurons. However, the mechanisms involved in this process remain to be clarified.

Adult↗

PubMed1982

Electron-microscopic localization of cholinesterase activity in Pacinian corpuscles of the cat mesentery.

The authors studied nCHE activity in Pacinian corpuscles of the mesentery of adult cats and 14-day-old kittens. The localization of nCHE was performed on non-frozen sections in Karnovsky's method (1964) with inhibitor application. The nCHE activity was by means of reaction product deposits always localized on plasmic membranes of inner core lamellae and on the axon axolemma. On capsule lamellae no nCHE activity was found. In inner core cells of Pacinian corpuscles of adult individuals, owing to sporadic occurrence of organelles their relationship to nCHE activity failed to be established. It was possible only in Pacinian corpuscles of 14-day-old kittens, where organelle findings are substantially more frequent and furthermore the lamellae broader, which facilitates the localization of deposits on plasmic membranes. The nCHE activity was proved here on the rough endoplasmic reticulum and on vesicles of the Golgi complex. For the above-mentioned reasons Pacinian corpuscles of kittens are substantially more suitable for the ultrahistochemical localization of enzymes than those of adult cats. The difference in nCHE activity localization, as it was established by Idé and Saito (1980), is probably caused by the different preparation of sections for incubation (cryostat sections were used). The occurrence of nCHE isoenzymes with different binding to the membranes of inner core cells of the Pacinian corpuscle not only renders exact electron-microscopic localization more difficult but it also shows that, similarly as ACHE, nCHE is synthetized in the rough endoplasmic reticulum in soluble oligomeric form. Only after aggregation of these subunits is it bound to the membranous structures of the inner core. The reversibility of this process can explain the irregular findings of the precipitate, mainly on pinocytotic vesicles. The localization of nCHE on inner core cells supports the opinion that inner core lamellae of Pacinian corpuscles are formed by Schwann cells. The nCHE activity found on all inner core lamellae of Pacinian corpuscles from the axon to the capsule lamellae is further evidence for the nonexistence of a special zone of lamellae, the so-called outer core, between the inner core and capsule.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Noradrenergic fibers in the Pacinian corpuscles of the cat urinary bladder.

Pacinian corpuscles in the cat urinary bladder were studied using the hematoxylin and eosin staining, formaldehyde-induced fluorescence histochemistry, immunohistochemistry for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and immunoelectron microscopy. The existence of catecholaminergic nerve fibers penetrating into the corpuscles was clarified. (1) About 10 Pacinian corpuscles which were mainly located in the subserosa were found in the lower one-third portion of each urinary bladder. (2) One or two corpuscles containing blue-green fluorescent fibers were detected in each bladder. These fibers were equivalent to TH-immunopositive varicose fibers using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method. (3) Thin nerve fibers containing dense-cored vesicles were found in the corpuscle by immunoelectron microscopy. These fibers spirally encompassed a swollen sensory terminal at a distance in the inner core. According to the above findings, we discuss a modulatory function of the catecholaminergic fibers in this mechanoreceptor.

Adrenergic Fibers↗

PubMed1984

Multiple axon terminals in reinnervated Pacinian corpuscles of adult rat.

The ultrastructure of Pacinian corpuscles localized beneath the crural interosseous membrane was examined two weeks to 18 months after crushing the sciatic nerve in adult rats. The Pacinian inner core and capsule remained preserved during the transient period of denervation. Regenerating axons reached Pacinian corpuscles approximately three weeks after nerve crush. Up to 15 axonal sprouts entered a single corpuscle at the initial stage of reinnervation, but only 1-3 axons increased in size, myelinated and formed axon terminals in the inner core, the excess sprouts being eliminated. Most corpuscles of the crural group were reinnervated by the end of the first month. Three to 19 months after nerve crush, 10% of corpuscles examined were found to be monoaxonal and monoterminal as before the operation; 74% contained multiple terminals; 16% remained denervated. Over half the multiterminal corpuscles were supplied with a single myelinated axon that branched inside the corpuscles; the rest received two or three myelinated axons which formed several terminals. The terminals were distributed at random, usually in the axial region between the lamellae of the inner core. They were cylindrical, with an oval profile; the larger terminals were filled with mitochondria and microtubules at their circumference and contained a core of neurofilaments. Lateral processes of the terminals were filled with vesicles and had membrane specializations as in normal corpuscles. The mean number of terminals in reinnervated corpuscles was 4.07 +/- 0.37 (S.E.M.) at three months, and 3.26 +/- 0.49 (S.E.M.) 6-18 months after nerve crush. This small decrease was apparently the result of degeneration occasionally observed in some axon terminals at later stages of reinnervation. These experiments thus demonstrate that most rat Pacinian corpuscles become reinnervated with multiple terminals after nerve injury and maintain multiterminal innervation permanently.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

A histological and anatomical profile of pacinian corpuscles from Dupuytren's contracture and the expression of nerve growth factor receptor.

The etiology of Dupuytren's disease is unknown. The causes of the fibroplastic response of nodules, fibrosis of cords, and prominence of pacinian corpuscles are not evident. Histological and immunohistology differences in pacinian corpuscles from the hands of five patients with Dupuytren's disease compared with 17 Dupuytren's-free patients are presented. Histological sections of pacinian corpuscle specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and immunostained for nerve growth factor receptor. The length and width of intact pacinian corpuscles were measured, and the number of layers within each corpuscle was counted and recorded. Grossly, the pacinian corpuscles from Dupuytren's patients were larger and more numerous compared with those from unaffected patients. When measured microscopically, the pacinian corpuscles from Dupuytren's diseased fascia were significantly larger (2.0 x 1.1 mm) compared with controls (1.5 x 0.78 mm). The pacinian corpuscles from Dupuytren's-affected patients had significantly more layers (64 +/- 14) compared with those from control patients (40 +/- 9). Nerve growth factor receptor staining of pacinian corpuscles from patients affected with Dupuytren's disease showed greater intensity and more area stained compared with unaffected controls. It is suggested that nerve growth factor may be involved in the increased size of pacinian corpuscles in Dupuytren's-affected fascia. It is proposed that the cellular outgrowth from pacinian corpuscles may generate the cells that develop into Dupuytren's nodules.

Cell Line↗

PubMed2006

Hypertrophy of Pacinian corpuscles in a young patient with neurofibromatosis.

Hypertrophy of Pacinian corpuscles is a condition that has been reported very infrequently. It was thought not to be connected with neurofibromatosis. A 24-year-old female with a lifelong history of neurofibromatosis type 1, who presented with left ring finger pain and decreased sensation for over 1 year is reported. Histopathology showed hypertrophy of Pacinian corpuscles. Hypertrophy of Pacinian corpuscles should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any patient with persistent pain localized to the distal palm or digits. This is the first case reported in a patient with neurofibromatosis. The finding of this lesion in a patient with neurofibromatosis is somewhat intriguing, though the relationship of these two entities is unclear.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

The oscillation from pacinian corpuscles to external stimuli in cat mesentery.

Single Pacinian corpuscles isolated from cat mesentery elicited fast-adapting responses and/or oscillation to displacement and vibratory stimuli at temperatures of 24-43 degrees C. The displacement threshold of oscillation increased by decreasing the temperature of the room or of the corpuscles to below 26 degrees C. Further cooling made the corpuscles elicit only fast-adapting responses to displacement stimuli of identical strength. When a single Pacinian corpuscle was stimulated by the same displacement the impulse patterns depended on the temperature of the experimental plate on which the corpuscle was situated. It is therefore suggested that, in temperatures higher than 28 degrees C and lower than 43 degrees C, constant displacement stimuli or vibratory stimuli (10-0.01 Hz) induced oscillation of the receptor potential from the Pacinian corpuscles.

Animals↗

PubMed1990

[Oscillation of impulse discharges of Pacinian corpuscles of cat mesentery to external stimulation].

A sensory unit with one or two Pacinian corpuscles was isolated from cat mesentery and square wave mechanical stimulation (duration 5-10 sec), sinusoidal frequency stimulation (duration 4-130 sec, frequency 0.06-300 Hz) and ramp mechanical stimulation (duration 5-10 sec) were applied to the Pacinian corpuscles. When the temperature exceeded 27 degrees C, the sensory unit caused a sustained discharge after on-response to the square wave stimulation. The sustained discharge lasted until the off-response. The sustained discharge was considered to be generated by an oscillation of the receptor potential in the Pacinian corpuscles. The results were as follows: 1. Sensory units with two Pacini corpuscles of cats from young (20 days after birth) to adult were found to respond with both fast-adapting and apparent slow-adapting responses at room temperature (27 degrees C). 2. The two Pacini corpuscles showed the characteristics of fast-adapting mechanoreceptor and vibrator. It was confirmed that the apparent slow-adapting responses from the sensory units were not artifacts induced by vibration from the stimulating bar or experimental table or experimental room, but were originated by an unknown mechanism in the corpuscles. 3. Some sensory units with two Pacinian corpuscles also responded with both fast-adapting and apparent slow-adapting responses in the range of 27-29 degrees C. The apparent slow-adapting responses were caused by pressure and vibratory stimulations above a strength level, but not by dumping of the stimulating bar. 4. The sensory unit evoked only the fast-adapting discharges near the threshold level of stimulus strength at less than 27 degrees C. In the temperature range of 27-40 degrees C, the sensory unit showed an increase in frequency of the apparent slow-adapting discharge by increased displacement and velocity of the stimulus. 5. The sensory unit responded with repeated firing to low-frequency stimulation (0.1-0.06 Hz) at the temperature range and the impulse number was increased by increased strength of the low-frequency stimulation. 6. At the 27-40 degrees C, the sensory units with Pacinian corpuscles evoked after discharge and spontaneous discharges and the impulse number was increased by increased displacement, velocity and frequency of the mechanical stimulus. Thus it is difficult to call the response of Pacinian corpuscles observed at more than 27 degrees C a slow-adapting one, judging from the duration of the receptor potential. We considered that these discharge responses resulted from an electrical oscillation of the receptor potential in the corpuscles.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗

PubMed1995

[Pacinian corpuscles in the articular capsule of the mouse knee joint, with special reference to postnatal development].

The morphology, intracapsular distribution and postnatal development of the Pacinian corpuscle which is one of the sensory nerve endings of the mouse knee joint, was examined by immunohistochemistry for S-100 protein, and by light and electron microscopy. Pacinian corpuscles existed only in the mouse knee joint on the flexor side, and were observed near the insertion of the capsule at the meniscus, at the insertion of the cruciate ligaments, and in the adipose tissue of the joint capsule. An average of 6-7 Pacinian corpuscles were found in one knee joint. The Pacinian corpuscle consisted of a central axon which was surrounded by approximately 20 thin lamellae of inner core cells and 10 layers of perineural capsular cells, and was enveloped by connective tissue capsule. This basic structure was not notably different from that in other experimental animals (cat, rat, etc.). In observation of the postnatal development from 0 to 7 days of age, only sporadic presence of the fasiculus of unmyelinated nerve fibers was observed in the joint capsule. At 9 days of age, a structure, which is considered to be the original form of the Pacinian corpuscle, was observed. This consisted of a central axon surrounded by irregular cytoplasmic processes of Schwann cells which had basal lamina. At 2 weeks of age, the inner core layers around the axon were formed, making up the basic structure of the Pacinian corpuscle. At 3 weeks of age, the numbers of inner core and perineural capsular layers had increased, and structure was closed to the adult morphology of the Pacinian corpuscle. By the 5 weeks of age, the caveolae and coated vesicles, which are characteristically present in the cytoplasm of the lamellar cells of the Pacinian corpuscle, had increased, and the basal lamina was completed. The Pacinian corpuscle, at this point, had become completed in structure and size. The S-100 protein first became positive in the inner core at 3 weeks of age, but negative in the perineural capsule during the entire period. Thus the inner core originated from the Schwann cells and the perineural capsular cells from the connective tissue. The findings suspected that the Pacinian corpuscles of the mouse knee joint start functioning around 3 weeks of age.

Animals↗