Pacinian corpuscle distribution, density, and morphology of the adult human foot in diabetes and health : a systematic review

Abstract

Pacinian corpuscles (PCs) remain insufficiently investigated in the context of diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, and associated alterations in plantar soft-tissue integrity, despite their established role as fast-adapting mechanoreceptors essential for plantar sensation and locomotor stability. The extent to which PCs contribute to sensory impairment and foot dysfunction in these conditions is not well understood. Furthermore, no comprehensive baseline data exist regarding normative PC distribution, density and morphology, or functional characteristics in healthy individuals or across the progressive stages of diabetes. A systematic synthesis of the existing literature is therefore warranted to delineate the current state of evidence and to inform the methodological framework for subsequent phases of this research.