High frequency ultrasound imaging of the growth and development of the normal chick embryo
Michael A Schellpfeffer1, David L Bolender, Gary L Kolesari
1Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA. maschellpfeffer@gmail.com
Insights
This study used high-frequency ultrasound to map normal chick embryo development from day 0-19, creating growth charts for assessing abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Embryology
- Developmental Biology
- Ultrasound Imaging
Background:
- Accurate assessment of embryonic development is crucial for understanding normal growth patterns.
- Establishing normative data for chick embryo development aids in identifying deviations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To use high-frequency ultrasound to image and document normal chick embryo growth and development.
- To create a comprehensive timeline and reference data for embryonic anatomical parameters.
Main Methods:
- High-frequency ultrasound imaging (13 MHz transducer) was employed on White Leghorn chick embryos.
- Embryos were imaged from incubation day 0 to 19 (Hamburger & Hamilton stages 1-45).
- Anatomic growth parameters were measured, and normal development was confirmed via staging.
Main Results:
- A timeline was generated detailing the visualization of each anatomic growth parameter.
- Nomograms and numerical tables were created plotting mean and standard deviation of parameters against incubation days.
- This dataset provides a baseline for normal chick embryo growth and development.
Conclusions:
- High-frequency ultrasound imaging is effective for monitoring chick embryo development.
- The generated nomograms and tables serve as a valuable reference for assessing embryonic growth.
- This study establishes a foundation for identifying abnormal embryonic development.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study is to delineate with high frequency ultrasound imaging the normal growth and development of the chick embryo throughout its incubation period. White Leghorn chick embryos were imaged through an opening in the egg air cell from incubation day 0-19 (Hamburger & Hamilton stage 1-45) using a 13 MHz clinical high frequency linear small parts transducer. Multiple anatomic growth parameters were measured. Normal growth was confirmed with Hamburger and Hamilton staging. A timeline was constructed showing when each anatomic growth parameter could be visualized. Means and standard deviations of each parameter were plotted against incubation days studied to create nomograms and numerical tables of normal growth and development of the chick embryo. With this set of data, abnormal growth and development of the chick embryo can now be assessed.
