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December 04, 2007; 69 (23) Articles

In vivo confocal microscopy of Meissner corpuscles as a measure of sensory neuropathy

David N. Herrmann, J. Neil Boger, Cortney Jansen, Christi Alessi-Fox
First published September 26, 2007, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1212/01.wnl.0000282762.34274.94
David N. Herrmann
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J. Neil Boger
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Cortney Jansen
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Christi Alessi-Fox
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Citation
In vivo confocal microscopy of Meissner corpuscles as a measure of sensory neuropathy
David N. Herrmann, J. Neil Boger, Cortney Jansen, Christi Alessi-Fox
Neurology Dec 2007, 69 (23) 2121-2127; DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000282762.34274.94

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Abstract

Objective: To assess feasibility of noninvasive in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) of Meissner corpuscles (MCs) as a measure of sensory neuropathy (SN).

Background: MCs are touch-pressure sensation receptors in glabrous skin. Skin biopsy studies suggest that fingertip MC density (MCs/mm2) is a sensitive measure of diabetic and idiopathic SN. In vivo RCM of skin is an emerging field, with applications including evaluation of cancer. It is painless and noninvasive. Feasibility of in vivo RCM of MCs has not been explored.

Methods: Fifteen adults (10 controls, 5 SN subjects) underwent in vivo RCM at the fingertip (Digit V) and thenar eminence. In vivo RCM was conducted to determine whether MCs were visible within dermal papillae and, if visible, to characterize their imaging appearance and assess MCs/mm2 at each site.

Results: MCs were identified in dermal papillae at all sites in controls. MCs appeared as heterogeneous bright structures within dermal papillae, which appeared as dark “pits.” Mean MC density in controls was 12 ± 5.3/mm2 (Digit V) and 5.1 ± 2.2/mm2 at the thenar eminence. MC density in SN was lower than controls at Digit V (2.8 ± 5.7/mm2, p = 0.01) and the thenar eminence (1.4 ± 1.1/mm2, p = 0.004). MCs were absent in a sensory neuronopathy; milder reductions in MC density were seen among diabetic and HIV-positive subjects.

Conclusions: Meissner corpuscles (MCs) can be visualized and quantitated in controls and sensory neuropathy (SN) using in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM). In vivo RCM of MCs has potential for noninvasive detection and monitoring of SN, if subsequent studies show that with denervation or reinnervation, reliable and recognizable changes or loss can be detected using our described approaches.

Glossary

ENFD=
epidermal nerve fiber density;
MC=
Meissner corpuscle;
PGP=
protein gene product;
RCM=
reflectance confocal microscopy;
RIV=
relative intertrial variability;
SFN=
small fiber neuropathy;
SN=
sensory neuropathy.
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Letters: Rapid online correspondence

  • In vivo confocal microscopy of Meissner corpuscles as a measure of sensory neuropathy
    • Maria Nolano, Neurology Division,, "S. Maugeri" Foundation I.R.C.C.S., Via Bagni Vecchi, 1 - 82037 Telese Terme (BN), Italymaria.nolano@fsm.it
    • Vincenzo Provitera and Lucio Santoro
    Submitted March 05, 2008
  • Reply from the authors
    • David N. Herrmann, University of Rochester, Departments of Neurology and Pathology, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY, 14642david_herrmann@urmc.rochester.edu
    • J Neil Boger, Cortney Jansen, Christi Alessi-Fox
    Submitted March 05, 2008
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