Specialized cutaneous Schwann cells initiate pain sensation

Abstract

An essential prerequisite for the survival of an organism is the ability to detect and respond to aversive stimuli. Current belief is that noxious stimuli directly activate nociceptive sensory nerve endings in the skin. We discovered a specialized cutaneous glial cell type with extensive processes forming a mesh-like network in the subepidermal border of the skin that conveys noxious thermal and mechanical sensitivity. We demonstrate a direct excitatory functional connection to sensory neurons and provide evidence of a previously unknown organ that has an essential physiological role in sensing noxious stimuli. Thus, these glial cells, which are intimately associated with unmyelinated nociceptive nerves, are inherently mechanosensitive and transmit nociceptive information to the nerve.

Mechanisms of Tactile Sensory Phenotypes in Autism: Current Understanding and Future Directions for Research

“…In contrast to the perception of touch that predominantly utilizes special end organs, painful, potentially damaging stimuli are generally sensed by "nociceptors" which innervate the skin with free nerve terminal endings, devoid of attachment to any sensory end-organ [43]. A recent groundbreaking study however has updated our classification of nociceptive sensory cells in the skin by demonstrating in mice that a specialized Schwann cell associated with nociceptors forms a glioneuro end-organ structure that is capable of transducing mechanical and thermal noxious stimulation [44].…”

Neuronal LXR Regulates Neuregulin-1 Expression and Sciatic Nerve-Associated Cell signaling

“…After that, it would be important to evaluate the type of SC that interact with sensory neurons expressing LXR. For example, recently Abdo et al, unmasked a unique non-myelinating SC expressing Sox10 associated with small fiber neurons to regulate nociception 48 . It is possible that Nav1.8 and LXRs expressing axons are associated with Sox10-expressing SC to regulate PNS function.…”

Schwann cells as underestimated, major players in human skin physiology and pathology

“…Specifically, we critically discuss the hypothesis that repeated activation of the SC repair programme occurs in and contributes to psoriasis and AD, and delineate experimental approaches how to probe this clinically relevant hypothesis. With these examples, we hope to broaden interest in SCs in skin research beyond roles in sensory skin neurophysiology, [ ] peripheral neuropathies [ ] and chronic pain. [ ]…”