Observation of the single Merkel cell surface after isolation of the hamster oral mucosa under scanning electron microscopy

Abstract

This paper revealed the changes occurred on the cylindrical cytoplasmic processes in Merkel cells after single cell isolation at hourly intervals observed under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). After 1 h of single Merkel cell isolation, the cylindrical cytoplasmic processes on the cell surface were bent and other numerous vestiges were observed parallely in contact with the cell surface. After 2 h, a decrease on the cylindrical cytoplasmic processes as well as agglutination to the cell membrane was observed. After 5 h, almost no cylindrical cytoplasmic processes were observed, thus the cell surface became smooth similar to a balloon's surface. The cylindrical cytoplasmic processes, which are considered to be receptors of mechanical stimulation, disappeared after isolation with the passing of time, leading to a Merkel cell with a spherical appearance. When mechanical stimulation by mean of Krebs solution perfusion was carried out, an absence of activity of the mechanically-gated channels, which are present on the cell membrane, was observed. It was thought that this might be due to the disappearance of the above mentioned cylindrical cytoplasmic processes. Then, we considered that the perfusion fluid was inadequate for showing the reception of mechanical stimulation of isolated single Merkel cells.