Light and electron microscopic immunocytochemical demonstration of intraepidermal CGRP-containing nerves in human skin.

The distribution of nerves immunoreactive to calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) was studied in human skin with special reference to the intraepidermal nerve fibres. It was shown by light and electron microscopy that a small proportion of the CGRP immunoreactive nerves entered the epidermis. The majority of the nerves ended as free nerve terminals subepidermally. Intraepidermal nerve endings were mainly seen in skin areas, which have a dense sensory innervation, such as fingertips and foreskin. The role of the peptidergic nerves in human skin is discussed.