The Journal of General Physiology, Vol 63, 601-608,
Copyright © 1974 by The Rockefeller University Press
Role of the Sympathetic Innervation of the Pacinian Corpuscle
Joel D. Schiff 1
1 From the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Navy Department, Research Task MR041.06.01-0006B, National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland 20014
An investigation was made into the nature of the role played by the noradrenergic innervation of the pacinian corpuscle. Corpuscles of the cat mesentery and mesocolon were used in all experiments. Blockade of noradrenergic beta receptors by dichloroisoproterenol and interference with norepinephrine release by reserpine are each capable of reversibly blocking mechanoelectric transduction by the pacinian corpuscle. The monoamine oxidase inhibitors iproniazid and phenelzine are capable of protecting the transducer from the blocking effects of reserpine. It is concluded that the presence of norepinephrine, as maintained by sympathetic tonus, is required for the afferent nerve terminal of the pacinian corpuscle to be mechanosensitive.
Submitted on December 5, 1973