British researchers from Imperial College London have discovered a previously unknown mechanism that allows us to sense touch. The article was published in the scientific journal magazine Science Developments.
It was previously believed that touch was recognized only by the nerve endings located in the skin around the hair follicles. However, experts have found that cells inside follicles can also detect touch sensations.
These cells release the neurotransmitters histamine and serotonin in response to touch.
To conduct the research, scientists analyzed RNA sequencing data from individual human skin cells and hair follicles and found that hair follicle cells contain a higher proportion of sensory receptors than equivalent skin cells.
The researchers performed the same experiments on skin cells instead of hair follicles. The cells responded to the light touch by releasing histamine, but not serotonin.
“This is a surprising discovery because we do not yet know why hair follicle cells are so involved in the processing of light touch. Because the follicle contains many sensory nerve endings, we now want to determine whether the hair follicle activates certain types of sensory nerves through an unknown but unique mechanism,” said lead author Claire Higgins. .
The study’s findings may help future understanding of histamine’s role in eczema and other inflammatory skin diseases.
Previous scientists ticklish Until the mice squeal to find the secret of their playfulness.
Source: Gazeta
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