The neural dependency of Merkel cell development in the rat: The touch domes and foot pads contrasted

We have used the quinacrine labeling technique and electron microscopy to study the development of the Merkel cell population in the skin of the rat and how this is affected by denervation produced at birth and at various times thereafter. An unexpected difference was found between the Merkel cells of glabrous and hairy skin. In the paw pads of rats aged 1 day or older the Merkel cells differentiated normally and survived quantitatively in the …