Summary
The Merkel cells from sinus hair follicles of rats were investigated by immunohistochemistry using different antisera against neuropeptides and gastroenteropancreatic (GEP)-hormones. For the first time it has been demonstrated that Merkel cells exhibit an immunoreactivity towards metenkephalin (methionine-enkephalin). The met-enkephalin immunoreactivity was restricted to Merkel cells and was not found in associated nerve axons or terminals. Denervation of Merkel cells did not affect the met-enkephalin immunoreactivity. Antisera against leu-enkephalin (leucine-enkephalin) and other polypeptides did not produce an immunoreaction.
The demonstration of met-enkephalin-like immunoreactivity supports the concept that the Merkel cell is a member of the paraneuronal system and a potential neuroreceptor cell.
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Supported by the German Research Foundation.
We are indebted to Carola Frey, Renate Stahl, Judith Stecher, and Barbara Kern for technical assistance and to Mr. S. Meairs for revising the manuscript.
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Hartschuh, W., Weihe, E., Büchler, M. et al. Met-enkephalin-like immunoreactivity in Merkel cells. Cell Tissue Res. 201, 343–348 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00236994
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00236994