Merkel Cells Transduce and Encode Tactile Stimuli to Drive Aβ-Afferent Impulses

摘要: Sensory systems for detecting tactile stimuli have evolved from touch-sensing nerves in invertebrates to complicated end organs mammals. Merkel discs are consisting of cells and Aβ-afferent nerve endings localized fingertips, whisker hair follicles, other touch-sensitive spots. transduce touch into slowly adapting impulses enable discrimination, but their transduction encoding mechanisms remain unknown. Using rat we show that rather than primary sites identify the Piezo2 ion channel as cell mechanical transducer. transduces Ca(2+)-action potentials cells, which drive fire impulses. We further demonstrate required behavioral responses. Our findings provide insights how end-organs function clinical implications dysfunctions.