IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL APPROACH FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF NERVE DISTRIBUTION IN THE SHOULDER JOINT CAPSULE

Twenty six shoulder joint capsules obtained from 13 autopsy cases were studied to evaluate the nerve distribution using immunohistochemical techniques. Immunohistochemical staining of polyclonal S-100 protein o r protein gene product 9.5 was more sensitive, specific, and reproduci ble compared with conventional gold chloride methods. A small number o f clustered nerve fibers were found in the superficial layer, and many nerve fibers with large diameters were found in anteroinferior portio ns of the deep layer. Nerve fibers of various sizes were more numerous in posterosuperior and anterosuperior portions of the boundary zone b etween labrum and capsule. A Pacinian corpuscle was clearly recognized in a capsule. In the central portion of the long head of some biceps brachii tendons, relatively large nerve fibers continued from capsules . The results suggest that the capsule and long head of the biceps bra chii tendon may play a partial role in the stability of the shoulder j oint through afferent feedback.