A histological and anatomical profile of pacinian corpuscles from Dupuytren's contracture and the expression of nerve growth factor receptor.

The etiology of Dupuytren's disease is unknown. The causes of the fibroplastic response of nodules, fibrosis of cords, and prominence of pacinian corpuscles are not evident. Histological and immunohistology differences in pacinian corpuscles from the hands of five patients with Dupuytren's disease compared with 17 Dupuytren's-free patients are presented. Histological sections of pacinian corpuscle specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and immunostained for nerve growth factor receptor. The length and width of intact pacinian corpuscles were measured, and the number of layers within each corpuscle was counted and recorded. Grossly, the pacinian corpuscles from Dupuytren's patients were larger and more numerous compared with those from unaffected patients. When measured microscopically, the pacinian corpuscles from Dupuytren's diseased fascia were significantly larger (2.0 x 1.1 mm) compared with controls (1.5 x 0.78 mm). The pacinian corpuscles from Dupuytren's-affected patients had significantly more layers (64 +/- 14) compared with those from control patients (40 +/- 9). Nerve growth factor receptor staining of pacinian corpuscles from patients affected with Dupuytren's disease showed greater intensity and more area stained compared with unaffected controls. It is suggested that nerve growth factor may be involved in the increased size of pacinian corpuscles in Dupuytren's-affected fascia. It is proposed that the cellular outgrowth from pacinian corpuscles may generate the cells that develop into Dupuytren's nodules.