Merkel cell-neurite complexes in the hard palate of the Wistar rat (Rattus norvegicus).

The complexes were found in the basal layer of the epithelium of the rugae of the ante- and intermolar area of the palate. Asymmetric membrane densities were observed between the Merkel cell and its neurite or the adjacent keratinocytes. The cytoplasm of the Merkel cell was characterized by an accumulation of membrane-bound dense granules at the neurite side of the cell and by a well developed Golgi apparatus at its keratinocyte side.