Pacinian corpuscles (PCs) are tactile receptors composed of a nerve ending (neurite) that is encapsulated by layers of lamellar cells. PCs are classified as primary mechanoreceptors because there is no synapse between the transductive membrane and the site of action potential generation. These touch receptors respond in a rapidly adapting manner to sustained pressure (indentation or displacement), which until now was believed to be attributable solely to the mechanical properties of the capsule. The hemi-lamellar cells of the capsule, which lie closest to the nerve, stem from Schwann, or glial cells. In the last decade, a number of neuroscientists have shown that glial cells can play an active role in communicating with neurons and vice versa. Evidence of positive immunoreactivity for GABA receptors on the neurite, as well as evidence for gene expression of synaptobrevin in the lamellar cells led to the hypothesis that GABAergic inhibition originating from the lamellar cells is involved in the rapid adaptation process of PCs. Electrophysiological data from isolated PCs demonstrates that, in the presence of either gabazine or picrotoxin (GABA receptor antagonists), many action potentials appear during the static portion of a sustained indentation stimulus (similar to slowly adapting receptors) and that these static spikes completely disappear in the presence of GABA. It was consequently hypothesized that glutamate, released by either the neurite itself or the lamellar cells, caused these action potentials. Indeed, the glutamate receptor blocker kynurenate either decreased or totally eliminated the static spikes. Together, these results suggest that GABA, emanating from the modified Schwann cells of the capsule, inhibits glutamatergic excitation during the static portion of sustained pressure, thus forming a “mechanochemical,” rather than purely mechanical, rapid adaptation response. While this kind of glial-neuronal interaction has been found in other peripheral sensory organs (Pack and Pawson, 2010), it is a completely novel finding for the PC (Pawson et al., 2009). We believe that understanding the PC rapid adaptation process in more detail is important because this touch receptor is found only in higher vertebrates and as such has an adaptive significance. The ability to adapt very rapidly to touch stimuli makes the Pacinian corpuscle a wonderful detector of vibrations in the environment. This gives higher mammals a better opportunity to detect prey or predators. Elephants can communicate with other elephants from distances up to 16-30km away, by detecting vibrations in the ground with their feet. A better understanding of the chemical interaction between the glial cells of the PC capsule and its nerve ending during rapid adaptation will give scientists of the future the ability to re-create this important ability to feel vibrations in prosthetic hands, feet, fingers and toes.