P61 | IMMUNOPROFILE OF MERKEL CELLS IN THE HUMAN VAGINAL EPITHELIUM

Abstract

The role of Merkel cells (MCs) as mechanoreceptors in areas sensitive to touch in human skin has been well-established for some time1. Their function in the epithelium of the human vagina remains to be elucidated. Consequently, an attempt was made to ascertain their immunoprofile, a process which could potentially reveal their presumed role in this unexplored localization. The immunohistochemical experiment was conducted on samples of the vaginal wall, obtained from nine subjects during surgery. The specific epithelial, and neuroendocrine markers for MCs were used to ascertain their immunoprofile. The present study has confirmed the presence of 100% CK20+, 78% NSE+, 22% SYN+, 89% CHGA+, 22% VIP+ and CGRP and PIEZO2 negative MCs in the epithelium of the anterior wall of the human vagina. In the absence of positivity of MCs for PIEZO2 and CGRP and positivity for CK20, NSE, SYN and CHRA, it can be concluded that these cells are not connected to the nerve fibre. The presence of non-innervated MCs has been demonstrated in non-keratinized epithelia2,3. They are maybe responsible for paracrine function and are involved in the renewal of the epithelium4. Immunostaining of MCs revealed that their function in the human vagina is different from their function in the skin. It is hoped that the results of this study will contribute to a deeper understanding of the presence of these species in this area.

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