Merkel Cell- Ectoderm-derived cell (less likely neural crest-derived) functioning as mechanoreceptor (slow adapting, type I); found among basal keratinocytes and positive for S100 immunostain
- Found in areas with high tactile sensitivity (lips, fingers, ORS of hair follicle, oral mucosa)
- EM shows microvilli at cell surface with dense core granules, lobulated nucleus, and intermediate filaments assuming whorled arrangement near nucleus (dot-like pattern)
- Markers: cytokeratin (CK) 20 (specific for merkel cells in skin), also contain CK8, 18, and 19
- Contain battery of neuropeptides and neurotransmitter-like substances:
- Neuron-specific enolase (NSE), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), chromogranin A, synaptophysin, and met-enkephalin
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