Figure 4

Recordings of mechanically activated currents from Merkel cells in the whisker hair follicle preparation. A) Image (left panel) shows the setting for the recording of Merkel cell MA currents (mechanically activated currents) evoked by direct stimulation. Diagram on right shows the outlines in left image of the recorded Merkel cell (MC, in green color), recording electrode and mechanical probe. Mechanical probe is directly applied to the recorded Merkel cell. B) Sample traces of Merkel cell MA currents elicited by the direct stimulation. C) Image (left panel) shows the setting for the recording of Merkel cell MA currents elicited by indirect stimulation. Diagram on right shows the outlines in left image of the recorded Merkel cell (MC, in green color), two non-Merkel cells (in grey color), recording electrode and mechanical probe. Mechanical probe was applied to a non-Merkel cell and mechanical force was transmitted to the recorded Merkel cell via the non-Merkel cells. D) Sample traces of Merkel cell MA currents elicited by the indirect stimulation. E) Schematic diagram illustrates the setting for the recording of Merkel cell MA currents in response to hair movement. F) Sample traces of Merkel cell MA currents elicited by hair movement. Inset, the same current traces at an expanded time scale.