[Tactile (Merkel) cells of the sinuous hairs of cats following colchicine application to nerves]

Abstract

The state of the tactile cells (Merkel's cells) in epithelium of the internal follicle in the cat sinuous hairs is controlled by sensitive neurons. This statement, derived from the experiments on denervation, was analysed in the investigation when colchicine (an agent blocking axoplasmic transport) was applied on the nerve. Thirty and 60 days after colchicine effect a statistically important decrease in the number of the tactile cells with certain changes in their structure (cytoplasmic consolidation, changes in density of specific granules, increasing number and size of vacuoles) was registered. In epithelium of the internal hairy follicle a contact of the tactile cells with tactile menisci was followed. As in myelin neural fibres of the internal hairy follicle connective tissue, certain signs of destruction, resulting from blockade of colchicine-induced axoplasmic transport, were noted. Participation of the axoplasmic transport in the neurosensory control for the state of the tactile cells is discussed together with the changes described.