Bowker RM, Brewer AM, Vex KB, Guida LA, Linder KE, Sonea IM, Stinson
AW. "Sensory receptors in the equine foot." Am J Vet Res.
1993 Nov;54(11):1840-4. A.E.P., pp 405-406
| Summary
- Two types of sensory
receptors
were located in the equine foot, using anatomic techniques. Histologic
examination
of stained hoof sections revealed lamellated corpuscles in the hoof
dermis,
which had many of the morphologic characteristics of Pacinian
corpuscles. These sensory receptors were restricted to the palmar
(caudal) aspects of
the solar dermis of the heel. A second type of receptor was detected by
use of immunocytochemistry, indicating apparently naked nerve endings
containing
the neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactivity
in
skin, solar dermal tubules, and the digital cushion. This peptide is an
example of a sensory neurotransmitter contained in dorsal root ganglion
cells
and is believed to exist only in unmyelinated sensory nerve fibers.
These
two morphologic structures may be used for detection of sensory
stimuli,
such as pressure (or vibratory senses) and pain, respectively, in
horses
during various locomotory gaits. |