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7153035 
Journal Article 
Review 
A delta-fiber low threshold mechanoreceptors innervating mammalian. hairy skin: A review of their receptive, electrophysiological and cytochemical properties in relation to A delta-fiber high threshold mechanoreceptors 
Djouhri, L; , 
2016 
1 
Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews
ISSN: 0149-7634
EISSN: 1873-7528 
PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD 
OXFORD 
61 
225-238 
English 
26746589 
WOS:000370097200015 
The sensation of gentle touch of the mammalian hairy skin is mediated by morphologically and physiologically distinct classes of low-threshold mechanoreceptors (LTMs) which are classified, according to their axonal conduction velocities, into A beta-, A delta- and C-LTMs. Although A delta-LTMs (D-hair cells) were first described about five decades ago, and have been found in hairy skin of every species examined including humans, it is commonly assumed that all A delta-fiber neurons are nociceptors. This view is endorsed by many textbooks. This article reviews the evidence that A delta-LTMs exist in substantial proportions in different species, and that their peripheral and central axonal endings, molecular markers, receptive, electrophysiological and cytochemical properties are distinct from those of A delta-high-threshold mechanoreceptors (A delta-HTMs). A brief overview of some of the ion channels and markers that are expressed by the two populations of primary afferent neurons is also provided. Failure to recognize the existence and properties of A delta-LTMs might lead/have led to misinterpretations of data. A beta-LTMs and C-LTMs have been reviewed elsewhere and are not subject of this review. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.