Open AccessCellular and subcellular distribution of 7B2 in porcine Merkel cells
Author(s) -
GarcíaCabalerro Alejandro,
Gallego Rosalía,
GarcíaCabalerro Tomás,
Fraga Máximo,
Blanco Montserrat,
FernándezRedondo Virginia,
Beiras Andrés
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
the anatomical record
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1097-0185
pISSN - 0003-276X
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-0185(199706)248:2<159::aid-ar2>3.0.co;2-o
Subject(s) - merkel cell , immunoelectron microscopy , epidermis (zoology) , merkel cell carcinoma , immunostaining , biology , melanocyte , pathology , synaptophysin , immunohistochemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , anatomy , melanoma , immunology , medicine , genetics , carcinoma
Abstract ABSTRACT Background: Merkel cells are neuroendocrine cells located in the skin and oral mucosa of various mammalian species. These cells express multiple peptides as well as serotonin. Although the precise function of Merkel cells is still unknown, different studies support its role as mechano‐electric transducer. 7B2 granin (secretogranin V) is a polypeptide isolated from the pituitary gland and present in the dense‐cored granules of neuronal and paraneuronal cells. Methods The expression of the 7B2 in Merkel cells of pig snout skin was analysed by immunohistochemical techniques. The streptavidin‐biotin peroxidase complex procedure was employed for light microscopy. A postembedding method using immunoglobulin‐colloidal gold complexes was employed for the ultrastructural studies. Results Immunoreactivity for 7B2 was observed in virtually all Merkel cells, both in epidermis and vibrissae. The immunostaining was shown in the basal side of cytoplasms where neuroendocrine granules were accumulated. Immunoelectron microscopy allowed us to demonstrate that 7B2 labelling was located on the electrondense granules. Nuclei and epidermal nerve terminals associated with Merkel cells did not show immunoreactivity. Conclusions The polypeptide 7B2 is present in the dense‐cored granules of Merkel cells. This result is consistent with the possible role for 7B2 in secretory granules' processing. To our knowledge this is the first evidence of 7B2 protein in Merkel cells. Anat. Rec. 248:159‐163, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.