Ruffini Corpuscles Research Articles

Effects of electromagnetic therapy on proprioception in a rodent animal model of rheumatoid arthritis

IntroductionThis study aimed primarily to investigate the effect of a PEMF on proprioception in terms of mechanoreceptor number and function and secondarily to assess the gait quality (sciatic function index) and arthritis severity (paw volume and body weight) in adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) RA model.MethodsTwenty-eight healthy adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: (I) RA experimental model treated with a PEMF (10 animals), (II) positive control (10 animals), and (III) negative control (8 animals). Group I was exposed to a PEMF (0.3 mT 1 h/day for 2 weeks), while Groups II and III were placed in the same setup, except that the PEMF was turned off. The proprioceptive function [as tactile response (TR) / hopping response (HR) / forelimb placing test (FPT)], paw volume (PF), and mechanoreceptor numbers were then tested.ResultsThere was a significant preservation of mechanoreceptor numbers and proprioception in group I compared to group II, as follows: the number of Ruffini corpuscles mechanoreceptors (p = 0.007) and TR on days 9 and 14 (p = 0.002, 0.012, respectively) with no significant difference compared to group III. Also, PV decreased significantly in group I relative to group II (p = 0.01) with no significant difference for group III.ConclusionsPEMF significantly preserved proprioception receptors and function and decreased inflammation severity in the AIA-RA model.

Effect of Selected Group of Asanas on the Patients with Cervical Vertigo

One of the most prevalent issues among patients in their middle years is vertigo. The existence of so-called cervical vertigo among the different causes of dizziness is still debatable. Based on the research of cervical vertigo was once believed to be caused by aberrant input from cervical sympathetic nerves. Later studies discovered that sympathetic stimulation has no effect on cerebral blood flow. Some studies made the hypothesis that diseases of vertigo of cervical origin can be associated to aberrant sensory input from the damaged joint receptors of upper cervical areas. Additional research revealed that cervical intervertebral disc disease appears to be the source of cervical vertigo. According to recent studies, vertigo of cervical origin may be associated to the in growth of many Ruffini corpuscles into degenerative cervical discs. Generally, the symptoms of Vertigo are not visible at the initial time, some time people consider it as epilepsy or brain related disease, first of all, it is necessary to diagnose and treat it properly. Yoga is an alternative therapy for any kind of cervical related problems, in which some special Asanas like Bhujangasana, Dhanurasana, Makarasana, Ardhamatsyendrasana, Akaranadhanurasana and Pranayama such as NadiShodhan, Bhramari, and Udgeetha. Which is helpful in this type of pain, it has been seen from many studies that yoga may work as a shield for spinal card related problems.

Ultrastructure of the Oropharyngeal Cavity Floor of the Red Porgy (Pagrus pagrus) by Light and Scanning Electron Microscopy

Abstract The current research aim is an ultrastructural examination of the floor of the oropharyngeal cavity of the red porgy fish. The study used gross morphology, light and scanning electron microscopy, and morphometric analysis. The teeth are arranged in anterior and posterior rows with differing heights along the entire length of the lower jaw. The labial teeth were long papilliform (canine like), medium, and short papilliform teeth. The teeth had a central pulp cavity and were surrounded by a thick dentine ridge covered in enamel. The pharyngeal teeth appeared in a V-shaped structure after the end of the interbranchial septum. There were three sizes of pharyngeal teeth: long, medium, and short. The apical pouch appeared on the lateral sides of the tongue. The tongue had a bulged mountaintop in the center and lateral sides with sea-wave-like longitudinal ridges with sloping grooves between them. The whole tongue surface had longitudinal ridges and sharp transverse ridges that appeared thorn like at the tongue root. Many sizes of pointed papillae were visible along the tongue surface. Ruffini corpuscles have been discovered in the tongue’s conical and dome-shaped papillae. The red porgy’s teeth and tongue papillae have distinct structural characteristics that are reflected in their carnivorous behavior.

Fascial Innervation: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Currently, myofascial pain has become one of the main problems in healthcare systems. Research into its causes and the structures related to it may help to improve its management. Until some years ago, all the studies were focused on muscle alterations, as trigger points, but recently, fasciae are starting to be considered a new, possible source of pain. This systematic review has been conducted for the purpose of analyze the current evidence of the muscular/deep fasciae innervation from a histological and/or immunohistochemical point of view. A literature search published between 2000 and 2021 was made in PubMed and Google Scholar. Search terms included a combination of fascia, innervation, immunohistochemical, and different immunohistochemical markers. Of the 23 total studies included in the review, five studies were performed in rats, four in mice, two in horses, ten in humans, and two in both humans and rats. There were a great variety of immunohistochemical markers used to detect the innervation of the fasciae; the most used were Protein Gene Marker 9.5 (used in twelve studies), Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (ten studies), S100 (ten studies), substance P (seven studies), and tyrosine hydroxylase (six studies). Various areas have been studied, with the thoracolumbar fascia being the most observed. Besides, the papers highlighted diversity in the density and type of innervation in the various fasciae, going from free nerve endings to Pacini and Ruffini corpuscles. Finally, it has been observed that the innervation is increased in the pathological fasciae. From this review, it is evident that fasciae are well innerved, their innervation have a particular distribution and precise localization and is composed especially by proprioceptors and nociceptors, the latter being more numerous in pathological situations. This could contribute to a better comprehension and management of pain.

Sensory innervation of the human palmar aponeurosis in healthy individuals and patients with palmar fibromatosis.

The human palmar aponeurosis is involved in hand proprioception, and it contains different sensory corpuscle morphotypes that serve this role. In palmar fibromatosis (classically referred to as Dupuytren's disease), the palmar aponeurosis undergoes fibrous structural changes that, presumably, also affect the nervous system, causing altered perception. We analysed the various sensory nerve formation morphotypes in the palmar aponeuroses of healthy subjects and patients with palmar fibromatosis. To do this, we used immunohistochemistry for corpuscular constituents and the putative mechanoproteins PIEZO2 and acid‐sensing ion channel 2. Free nerve endings and Golgi‐Mazzoni, Ruffini, paciniform and Pacinian corpuscles were identified in both the healthy and the pathological conditions. The densities of the free nerve endings and Golgi‐Mazzoni corpuscles were slightly increased in the pathological tissues. Furthermore, the Pacinian corpuscles were enlarged and displayed an altered shape. Finally, there was also morphological and immunohistochemical evidence of occasional denervation of the Pacinian corpuscles, although no increase in their number was observed. Both PIEZO2 and acid‐sensing ion channel 2 were absent from the altered corpuscles. These results indicate that the human palmar aponeurosis is richly innervated, and the free nerve endings and sensory corpuscles within the palmar aponeurosis undergo quantitative and qualitative changes in patients with palmar fibromatosis, which may explain the sensory alterations occasionally reported for this pathology.

Morphological study of mechanoreceptors in ligaments of the trapeziometacarpal joint

The complex stability of the trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint depends on the role of ligaments and muscles around joints. The mechanoreceptors within ligaments and adequate regulation of peripheral neuromuscle reflexes promote joint dynamic stability. We know that the dorsal radial ligaments (DRL) and anterior oblique ligaments (AOL) play most respective roles of in controlling the stability of the TMC joint. This experiment has the following purposes (1) we want to describe the shape and distribution of mechanoreceptors in DRL and AOL of TMC joint using modified gold chloride staining techniques. (2) To explore whether there is a relationship between gender and the number of mechanoreceptors. Normal specimens of the thumb ligament were obtained from the upper limbs of 12 fresh frozen cadavers. The length, width and thickness of the DRL and AOL were measured. The DRLs and the AOLs were divided into the proximal, middle and distal sections. Each segments of ligament were made into 5 μm thick slices. The slices were stained by modified gold chlorine staining techniques after the slices were dehydrated with 70% alcohol. All the four typical types of nerve endings (the Ruffini corpuscles, Pacinian corpuscles, Golgi corpuscles, and free nerve endings) were found in these ligaments. Pacinian corpuscles were the predominant in all four complexes. Most mechanoreceptors were found in synovial membrane near both ends of the ligaments attached to the bone. The DRL was significantly thicker and tougher than the AOL. The DRL had significantly more mechanoreceptors than AOL. There were significant differences in terms of the number of whole mechanoreceptors in the DRL and the AOL due to the differences of gender. The morphology and distribution of mechanoreceptors are different from those reported in previous literature, suggesting that TMC joint have more complex proprioceptive functions. The proprioception of TMC joint in male maybe more powerful than female.

Cervical intervertebral disc degeneration and dizziness.

Clinical studies have found that patients withcervical degenerative disease are usually accompanied by dizziness. Anterior cervical surgery can eliminate not only chronic neck pain, cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy, but also dizziness. Immunohistochemical studies show that a large number of mechanoreceptors, especially Ruffini corpuscles, are present in degenerated cervical discs. The available evidence suggests a key role of Ruffini corpuscles in the pathogenesis of dizziness caused by cervical degenerative disease (i.e. cervical discogenic dizziness). Disc degeneration is characterized by an elevation of inflammatory cytokines, which stimulates the mechanoreceptors in degenerated discs and results in peripheral sensitization. Abnormal cervical proprioceptive inputs from the mechanoreceptors are transmitted to the central nervous system, resulting in sensory mismatches with vestibular and visual information and leads to dizziness. In addition, neck pain caused by cervical disc degeneration can play a key role in cervical discogenic dizziness by increasing the sensitivity of muscle spindles. Like cervical discogenic pain, the diagnosis of cervical discogenic dizziness can be challenging and can be made only after other potential causes of dizziness have been ruled out. Conservative treatment is effective for the majority of patients. Existing basic and clinical studies have shown that cervical intervertebral disc degeneration can lead to dizziness.

Investigation of sensory nerve endings in pulvinar, ligamentum teres, and hip joint capsule: A prospective immunohistochemical study of 36 cases with developmental hip dysplasia.

The aim of this study was to immunohistochemically identify and characterize the presence of sensory nerve endings (SNEs) in pulvinar, ligamentum teres (LT), and hip joint capsule (HJC) of children with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Pulvinar, LT, and HJC specimens were obtained from 38 hips of 36 children (31 girls, five boys; mean age=49 months; age range=18-132 months) during open reduction surgery for DDH. All specimens underwent subsequent routine tissue processing (formalin fixation and paraffin embedding). To determine tissue morphology, haematoxylin and eosin staining was used. SNEs were analyzed immunohistochemically using a mouse monoclonal antibody against S-100 Beta Protein based on the classification of Freeman and Wyke including four types of SNEs including mechanoreceptors: type I Ruffini corpuscles, type II Pacini corpuscles, type III Golgi organs, and type IVa unmyelinated free nerve endings (FNEs). Additionally, children were sorted into three groups based on their age at the time of surgery: Group 1 (age <3 years; 19 hips of 18), Group 2 (age: 3-5 years; 10 hips of 10 children), and Group 3 (age >5 years; 9 hips of 8 children). Although no Type I, II, or III SNEs were identified in any specimen, type IVa mechanoreceptor (FNEs) was immunohistochemically characterized in 13 (34%) pulvinar, 19 (50%) LT, and 16 (42%) HJC specimens. The total density of FNEs was 3.31±5.70)/50 mm2 (range 0-21) in pulvinar specimens, 3.18 ± 5.92)/50 mm2 (range 0-24) in HJC specimens, and 4.51±6.61/50 mm2 (range 0-22) in LT specimens. Furthermore, the operated side, gender, and the number of FNEs in specimens did not differ significantly among the age groups (p>0.05 for all), and the number of FNEs was not significantly correlated with age, gender, or the operated side (p>0.05 for all). Evidence from this study revealed that pulvinar, LT, and HJC include only FNEs, which play a role in pain sensation, among mechanoreceptors. Surgical excision of these tissues may not cause a significant loss of sensory function in the hip joint of children with DDH. Level II, Therapeutic Study.

Glans clitoris innervation: PIEZO2 and sexual mechanosensitivity.

The clitoris is a leading player in female sexual arousal, if not the main protagonist. Despite this role, studies performed on this structure with specific neuroanatomical techniques are few. This study focuses on glans clitoris innervation, with special emphasis on sensory corpuscles and the presence of the mechanotransducer protein PIEZO2 in these structures. Six glans clitoris samples were obtained at autopsy covering an age spectrum between 52 and 83years old. Several types of nerve terminations including free nerve endings, genital endbulbs as well as Meissner-like corpuscles and Pacinian corpuscles, but not Ruffini corpuscles, were found. Although corpuscular morphology in the glans clitoris was subtly different from the cutaneous digital counterparts, their basic composition was comparable for both Pacinian and Meissner-like corpuscles. Genital endbulbs showed heterogeneous morphology, and the axons usually exhibited a typical "wool ball" or "yarn ball" aspect. Some of them were lobulated and variably encapsulated by endoneurial elements (65%); from the capsule originate septa that divides the genital endbulbs, suggesting that they are found in clusters rather than as single corpuscles. In addition, most corpuscles in the glans clitoris showed axonal PIEZO2 immunoreactivity, thus, suggesting a mechanical role and molecular mechanisms of mechanosensibility similar to those of digital Meissner's corpuscles. Our results demonstrate that sensory corpuscles of the glans clitoris are similar to those of other glabrous skin zones, as most genital organs are characterized by clusters of corpuscles and the occurrence of the mechanoprotein PIEZO2 in the axons. These findings strongly suggest that PIEZO2 participates in erotic and sexual mechanical sensing.

Verification and characterisation of human digital Ruffini's sensory corpuscles.

Ruffini's corpuscles are present as long fusiform encapsulated sensory structures in different tissues including the skin. Although physiological analyses strongly suggest their existence in glabrous digital skin, such localisation remains unconfirmed. Here, we have investigated the occurrence of typical Ruffini's corpuscles in 372 sections of human digital skin obtained from 186 subjects of both sexes and different ages (19-92years). S100 protein, neuron-specific enolase and neurofilament proteins were detected, and the basic immunohistochemical profile of these corpuscles was analysed. Fewer than 0.3 Ruffini's corpuscles/mm2 were detected, with density distribution across the fingers being F4>F3>F2>F1>F5 and absolute values being F2>F1>F3>F4>F5. Axons displayed neuron-specific enolase immunoreactivity, glial cells forming the core contained S100 protein, and the capsule was positive for CD34 but not Glut1, demonstrating an endoneurial origin. Present results demonstrate the existence of Ruffini's corpuscles in human glabrous digital skin at very low densities. Moreover, the identified Ruffini's corpuscles share the basic immunohistochemical characteristics of other dermal sensory corpuscles.

Topography of sensory receptors within the human glenohumeral joint capsule

Sensory receptors in the joint capsule are critical for maintaining joint stability. However, the distribution of sensory receptors in the glenohumeral joint of the shoulder, including mechanoreceptors and free nerve endings, has not been described yet. This study aimed to describe the distributions of different sensory receptor subtypes in the glenohumeral joint capsule. Our hypotheses were as follows: (1) Sensory receptor subtypes would differ in density but follow a similar distribution pattern, and (2) the anterior capsule would have the highest density of sensory receptors. Six glenohumeral joint capsules were harvested from the glenoid to the humeral attachment. The capsule was divided into 4 regions of interest(anterior, posterior, superior, and inferior) and analyzed using modified gold chloride stain. Sensory receptors as well as free nerve endings were identified and counted under a light microscope from sections of each region of interest. The density of each sensory receptor subtype was calculated relative to capsule volume. Sensory receptors were distributed in the glenohumeral joint capsule with free nerve endings. The anterior capsule exhibited the highest median density of all 4 sensory receptors examined, followed by the superior, inferior, and posterior capsules. The median densities of these sensory receptor subtypes also significantly differed (P = .007), with type I (Ruffini corpuscles) receptors having the highest density (2.97 U/cm3), followed by type IV (free nerve endings, 2.25 U/cm3), type II (Pacinian corpuscles, 1.40 U/cm3), and type III (Golgi corpuscles, 0.24 U/cm3) receptors. Sensory receptor subtypes are differentially expressed in the glenohumeral joint capsule, primarily type I and IV sensory receptors. The expression of sensory receptors was dominant in the anterior capsule, stressing the important role of proprioception feedback for joint stability. The surgical procedure for shoulder instability should consider the topography of sensory receptors to preserve or restore the proprioception of the shoulder joint.

Immunohistochemical analysis of sensory corpuscles in human transplants of the anterior cruciate ligament

BackgroundSensory nerve endings in ligaments play an important role for the proprioceptive function. Clinical trials show that the sense of body position does not fully recover in the knee joint after reconstructive surgery of the ruptured anterior cruciate ligament. The aim of this study is to identify sensory corpuscles in autogenous and allogenous transplants of the ligament and to compare their quantity between the used allografts and autografts.MethodsThirty-three patients were included in this study. Three patellar tendon allografts, 14 patellar tendon autografts and 12 semitendinosus autografts were harvested during revision surgery after traumatic rerupture of the graft. The control consisted of 4 healthy anterior cruciate ligaments after fresh rupture. After haematoxylin staining, immunohistochemical analysis was performed using antibodies against S100, p75 and PGP9.5. Microscopical examination was carried out, and the number of mechanoreceptors was counted. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test.ResultsTwo types of mechanoreceptors were identified in each graft: Ruffini corpuscles and free nerve endings. The number of Ruffini corpuscles per square centimeter was the highest in the control. Comparing the grafts, the highest number of receptors could be detected in the semitendinosus autograft. The amount of free nerve endings was higher in the semitendinosus and patellar tendon autografts than in the control; the allografts showed the lowest number of receptors. With increasing time after reconstruction, the number of both types of receptors showed a decrease in the semitendinosus graft, whereas it increased in the patellar tendon graft and allograft. The number of mechanoreceptors in the semitendinosus and patellar tendon graft decreased over time after graft-failure, whereas it increased slightly in the allograft.ConclusionThis study was the first to identify mechanoreceptors in human transplants of the anterior cruciate ligament. The partial increase in the number of receptors over time after reconstruction could indicate a reinnervation of the grafts.

Distribution, quantity and gene expression of mechanoreceptors in ligaments and tendons of knee joint in rabbits.

Here we investigated the morphology, quantity, distribution and gene expression of mechanoreceptors in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), lateral collateral ligament (LCL), patellar tendon (PaT) and popliteal tendon (PoT) of the knee joint. Twelve 6-month-old rabbits were divided into two groups. In one group, the ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL, PaT and PoT were collected to observe the morphology, distribution and quantity of mechanoreceptors. In another group, the ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL, PaT and PoT of bilateral knee joints were used to determine S100B, CGRP and NEFM gene levels. Five types of mechanoreceptors were observed including Ruffini corpuscles, Pacinian corpuscles, Golgi-tendon bodies, atypical mechanoreceptors and free nerve endings. The total amount of mechanoreceptors was significantly lower in MCL, LCL, PaT and PoT as compared with ACL and PCL (P < 0.001). All examined mechanoreceptors were present in ACL, PCL and LCL. However, no Pacinian corpuscles and Golgi-tendon bodies were found in MCL and PoT as well as Pacinian corpuscles were not observed in PaT. The present study indicated that the levels of NEFM was significantly lower in PCL, MCL, LCL, PaT and PoT as compared with ACL (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in CGRP level between ACL and other ligaments except LCL (P > 0.05). Thus, the quantity, type and gene expression of mechanoreceptors are different in various ligaments. Thus, the quantity and distribution of mechanoreceptors may be related to ligament's function.

The crural interosseous membrane re-visited: a histological and microscopic study.

The aim of this study was to characterize the microscopic structure and sensory nerve endings of the crural interosseous membrane (IM). 13 IMs from 7 cadavers were used to analyze the organization of the collagen fibers, IM’s thickness, distribution of elastic fibers and nerve elements. The IM is mainly a two-layer collagen fascicle structure with the collagen fibers of adjacent layers orientated along different directions, forming angles of 30.5 +/- 1.7° at proximal and 26.6 +/- 2.1° at distal part (P>0.05). The percentage of elastic fibers between the two layers and inside the collagen fascicle layer is 10.1 +/- 0.5% and 2.2 +/- 0.1% (P<0.001). The IM’s thickness at proximal, middle, and distal parts is 268.5 +/- 18.6μm; 293.2 +/- 12.5μm; 365.3 +/- 19.3 μm, respectively (Proximal vs Distal: P<0.001; Middle vs Distal: P<0.05). Nerve elements were present and located both inside and on the surface of the IM, whereas the mechanoreceptors are mainly located on the surface of the IM. Free nerve endings (33.3 +/- 5.0/cm2) and Ruffini corpuscles (3.4 +/- 0.6/cm2) were the predominant sensory elements, while Pacinian corpuscles (1.3 +/- 0.7/cm2) were rarely found. The type of mechanoreceptors found suggests that the IM may play a role in proprioception.

Changes in mechanoreceptors in rabbits' anterior cruciate ligaments with age.

At present, a few studies have been done on the changes in the distribution, morphology and quantity of mechanoreceptors in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) with age. In this study, we observed the changes in mechanoreceptors of healthy rabbits' ACL with age. We found that rabbits' ACLs contained 5 kinds of mechanoreceptors including Ruffini corpuscles, Pacinian corpuscles, Golgitendon bodies, free nerve endings and atypical mechanoreceptors. In each ACL, free nerve endings were the most followed by Ruffini corpuscles, Pacinian corpuscles, Golgitendon bodies and atypical mechanoreceptors in the younger than one-old rabbits. Most of the mechanoreceptors were distributed in the synovium near the attachment points of ACL with the femur and tibia. The total quantity of mechanoreceptors were the most in the 3- and 6-month groups, but did not show a significant difference between the two group (P > 0.05). However, there were significant differences in the total quantity of mechanoreceptors between other groups (all P < 0.05). RT-PCR indicated that NEFM and S100B levels increased with age, and reached a peak in the 1-year group with significant differences as compared to other groups. NEFM and S100B levels were the second in 6-month and 2-year groups and the lowest in the 1-week group. We can conclude that in rabbits' ACLs, free nerve endings are the most common, followed by Ruffini corpuscles, Pacinian corpuscles and Golgitendon bodies. The total quantity of mechanoreceptors reaches a peak in 3 months, while NEFM and S100B reach a peak in 1year.

Cervical Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Contributes to Dizziness: A Clinical and Immunohistochemical Study

Dizziness often happens in patients with chronic neck pain with only cervical disc degeneration but without cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy. We prospectively selected a series of patients who showed cervical disc degeneration with concomitant chronic neck pain and intractable dizziness who did not respond to conservative treatment to test a new diagnostic method for this dizziness, to analyze the results of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery based on the test, and to explore its pathogenesis. Seventy-seven patients who had a transient neck pain and dizziness relief after injection of bupivacaine into a suspected disc were included in the study. In total, 52 underwent ACDF as surgery group, and 25 refused surgery and accepted conservative treatments as conservative group from June, 2015 to October, 2016 with subsequent follow-up to 1 year. The outcomes were visual analogue scale for neck pain, Neck Disability Index, and intensity and frequency of dizziness. During ACDF, the 72 specimens of degenerative cervical discs were collected to determine the innervation in degenerative cervical discs immunohistochemically. After surgery, the patients experienced a significant reduction in neck pain and dizziness. Symptomatic relief in surgery group was obviously better than conservative group at each time point of follow-up (P= 0.001). Ruffini corpuscles and substance P-positive free nerve fibers were obviously increased in the number and deeply ingrown into the inner degenerative cervical discs. Current clinical and immunohistochemical studies strongly suggest that chronic neck pain and intractable dizziness in this series of patients stem from the degenerative cervical discs.

Mechanoreceptor profile of the lateral collateral ligament complex in the human elbow

BackgroundActive restraint for the elbow joint is provided by the soft tissue component, which consists of a musculoligamentous complex. A lesion of the lateral collateral ligament complex (LCLC) is thought to be the primary cause of posterolateral rotatory instability in the elbow. Its role as a protective reflexogenic structure is supported by the existence of ultrastructural mechanoreceptors. The aim of this study was to describe the existence and distribution of LCLC mechanoreceptors in the human elbow joint and to determine their role in providing joint stability. MethodsEight LCLCs were harvested from fresh frozen cadaver elbows. Specimens were carefully separated from the lateral epicondyle and ulna. The ligament complex was divided into 7 regions of interest and stained with modified gold chloride. Microscopic evaluation was performed for Golgi, Ruffini, and Pacinian corpuscles. The number, distribution, and density of each structure were recorded. ResultsGolgi, Ruffini, and Pacinian corpuscles were observed in LCLCs, with variable distribution in each region of interest. Ruffini corpuscles showed the highest total mechanoreceptor density. Mechanoreceptor density was higher at bony attachment sites. ConclusionThe existence and role of each mechanoreceptor defined the purpose of each region of interest. Mechanoreceptors are beneficial for its proprioceptive feature towards a successful elbow ligament reconstruction.

Mécanorécepteurs dans le ligament collatéral médial du coude

BackgroundThe human elbow maintains its stability mainly through its bony structure. Stability is enhanced by ligamentous structures. To allow the ligamento-muscular reflex, which protects against strain and stress, mechanoreceptors are embedded in the ligament. This report describes the existence and the distribution of the elbow medial collateral ligaments (MCLs) mechanoreceptors. Hypothesis1) the bony attachment site has the highest density of mechanoreceptors, and 2) the anterior part has the highest density of mechanoreceptors. Materials and methodsEight MCLs of elbow from fresh frozen cadavers were used. The MCLs were harvested deep to the periosteum from the medial epicondyle to the ulna. The fan-shaped ligaments were divided into six regions of interest (ROI) and stained with modified gold chloride stain. Specimens were evaluated under a light microscope. Golgi, Ruffini, and Pacinian corpuscles were found in every specimen. The number and the distribution of each mechanoreceptor in each ROI were recorded. The density of each mechanoreceptor was calculated in regards to its volume. ResultsGolgi, Ruffini, and Pacinian corpuscles were seen in the ligament with small nerve fibers. Ruffini corpuscles had the highest median density of all three corpuscles. The median corpuscle density was higher in the anterior than in the posterior part and higher in the bony attachment than in the mid-substance site except for Golgi corpuscle. ConclusionThe three typical types of mechanoreceptors were identified in human MCL with the anterior part and bony attachment as the dominant distribution site. Level of evidenceBasic Science Study.

Mechanoreceptors distribution in the human medial collateral ligament of the elbow.

The human elbow maintains its stability mainly through its bony structure. Stability is enhanced by ligamentous structures. To allow the ligamento-muscular reflex, which protects against strain and stress, mechanoreceptors are embedded in the ligament. This report describes the existence and the distribution of the elbow medial collateral ligaments (MCLs) mechanoreceptors. The bony attachment site has the highest density of mechanoreceptors, and the anterior part has the highest density of mechanoreceptors. Eight MCLs of elbow from fresh frozen cadavers were used. The MCLs were harvested deep to the periosteum from the medial epicondyle to the ulna. The fan-shaped ligaments were divided into six regions of interest (ROI) and stained with modified gold chloride stain. Specimens were evaluated under a light microscope. Golgi, Ruffini, and Pacinian corpuscles were found in every specimen. The number and the distribution of each mechanoreceptor in each ROI were recorded. The density of each mechanoreceptor was calculated in regards to its volume. Golgi, Ruffini, and Pacinian corpuscles were seen in the ligament with small nerve fibers. Ruffini corpuscles had the highest median density of all three corpuscles. The median corpuscle density was higher in the anterior than in the posterior part and higher in the bony attachment than in the mid-substance site except for Golgi corpuscle. The three typical types of mechanoreceptors were identified in human MCL with the anterior part and bony attachment as the dominant distribution site. Basic Science Study.

Cervical Vertigo: Historical Reviews and Advances.

Vertigo is one of the most common presentations in adult patients. Among the various causes of vertigo, so-called cervical vertigo is still a controversial entity. Cervical vertigo was first thought to be due to abnormal input from cervical sympathetic nerves based on the work of Barré and Liéou in 1928. Later studies found that cerebral blood flow is not influenced by sympathetic stimulation. Ryan and Cope in 1955 proposed that abnormal sensory information from the damaged joint receptors of upper cervical regions may be related to pathologies of vertigo of cervical origin. Further studies found that cervical vertigo seems to originate from diseased cervical intervertebral discs. Recent research found that the ingrowth of a large number of Ruffini corpuscles into diseased cervical discs may be related to vertigo of cervical origin. Abnormal neck proprioceptive input integrated from the signals of Ruffini corpuscles in diseased cervical discs and muscle spindles in tense neck muscles secondary to neck pain is transmitted to the central nervous system and leads to a sensory mismatch with vestibular and other sensory information, resulting in a subjective feeling of vertigo and unsteadiness. Further studies are needed to illustrate the complex pathophysiologic mechanisms of cervical vertigo and to better understand and manage this perplexing entity.