A multiphysics model of the Pacinian corpuscle

Integr Biol (Camb). 2016 Nov 7;8(11):1111-1125. doi: 10.1039/c6ib00157b.

Abstract

The Pacinian corpuscle (PC) is a dermal mechanoreceptor that responds to high-frequency (20-1000 Hz) vibrations. The PC's structure allows transmission of vibrations through its layers (lamellae) to the centrally-located nerve fiber (neurite). This work combines mechanical models of the PC with an electrochemical model of peripheral nerves to simulate the tactile response of the entire system. A three-stage model of response to a vibratory input was developed, consisting of (1) outer core mechanics, (2) inner core mechanics, and (3) neurite electrochemistry. The model correctly predicts the band-pass nature of the PC's frequency response, showing that the PC structure can amplify oscillatory strains within its target frequency band. Specifically, strain induced by a vibratory stimulus is amplified by a factor of 8-12 from the PC surface to the neurite. Our results also support the hypothesis that PC rapid adaptation is affected by the lamellar structures without requiring neuronal adaptivity. Simulated different-sized PCs showed a shift in frequency response, suggesting that clusters of different-sized PCs could enable more nuanced tactile encoding than uniform clusters. By modeling the PC's mechano-to-neural transduction, we can begin to characterize the mechanosensation of other receptors to understand how multiple receptors interact to create our sensation of touch.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Afferent Pathways / physiology*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Humans
  • Mechanotransduction, Cellular / physiology*
  • Models, Biological*
  • Neurites / physiology*
  • Pacinian Corpuscles / physiology*
  • Stress, Mechanical
  • Touch / physiology*
  • Vibration