Expression of integrin alpha2beta1 in axons and receptive endings of neurons in rat, hairy skin.

Integrin alpha2beta1 has been considered as a mechano-chemical transducer in endothelial and muscle cells. However, little data is available to show whether integrins play a role in the process of mechanical transduction in peripheral mechanosensory neurons. Using immunohistochemistry, we demonstrate that cutaneous neurons express the extracellular matrix (ECM) receptor integrin alpha2beta1. Specifically, we show that integrins alpha2 and beta1 are co-localized with peripherin in the receptive endings of cutaneous neurons in rat, hairy skin. Integrin immunofluorescence was minimal along the axons of large diameter neurons. These results, together with findings by other investigators, provide evidence suggesting that integrin alpha2beta1 may be a linking agent between mechanical stress in the ECM and modulation of the neuronal response of mechanically sensitive neurons.