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Apoptosis during chick inner ear development: some observations by TEM and TUNEL techniques
B Avallone1, G Balsamo, S Trapani
1Department of Genetics, General and Molecular Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Italy.
European Journal of Histochemistry : EJH
|June 5, 2002
Summary
Apoptosis, programmed cell death, plays a crucial role in inner ear development. This study observed apoptotic cells in chick embryos and newly hatched chicks, confirming its involvement in cellular differentiation and tissue remodeling.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is essential for embryonic development.
- Its specific role in inner ear development, particularly in the crista ampullaris, remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence, distribution, and potential functions of apoptosis during the development of the chick inner ear's crista ampullaris.
- To elucidate the cellular mechanisms underlying inner ear formation and maintenance.
Main Methods:
- Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) was used to examine ultrastructural changes.
- Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) technique identified apoptotic cells.
- Studies were conducted on chick embryos (incubation days 5-19) and 1-day-old post-hatching chicks.
Main Results:
- Ultrastructural evidence of apoptosis was found in supporting cells of chick embryos and hair cells of postnatal chicks.
- The TUNEL assay confirmed the presence and distribution of apoptotic phenomena within the sensory epithelium.
- Apoptotic cells exhibited morphological characteristics consistent with programmed cell death.
Conclusions:
- Apoptosis is implicated in the early macroscopic remodeling of the avian inner ear's membranous labyrinth.
- Programmed cell death contributes to the precise differentiation of hair and supporting cells, establishing the characteristic cellular architecture.
- Apoptosis also plays a role in the physiological cell turnover of the postnatal sensory epithelium in the crista ampullaris.