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Published on: November 17, 2016
Retinoic acid causes the development of feathers in the scale-forming integument of the chick embryo
Danielle Dhouailly1, Margaret Hurlstone Hardy1
1Laboratoire de Zoologie et Biologie Animale, Equipe de recherche associée au CNRS no 621 "Morphogenèse expérimentale", Université Scientifique et Médicale de Grenoble, F-38041, Grenoble Cedex, France.
Insights
Retinoic acid injection into chick embryos induced abnormal feather development in both feather tracts and foot scales. This suggests retinoic acid disrupts normal embryonic skin development and tissue interactions.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Embryology
- Teratology
Background:
- Retinoic acid is a crucial signaling molecule in embryonic development.
- Feather and scale development involve complex epithelial-mesenchymal interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of exogenous retinoic acid on avian embryonic skin development.
- To determine if retinoic acid can induce heterotopic feather formation.
Main Methods:
- Chick embryos (10-12 days incubation) received intra-amniotic injections of retinoic acid.
- Dosages administered were 3×62.5 μg or 3×125 μg.
- Embryos were examined for morphological changes in feather tracts and foot skin.
Main Results:
- Club-shaped feather formation observed within established feather tracts.
- Development of feather-like structures in the scale-forming regions of the feet.
- Abnormal feather development occurred in a dose-dependent manner.
Conclusions:
- Exogenous retinoic acid can induce significant alterations in avian skin appendage development.
- Retinoic acid interferes with the normal tissue interactions governing feather and scale patterning.
- These findings highlight the critical role of retinoid signaling in establishing skin morphology.
Abstract:
Injection of retinoic acid (3×62.5 μg or 3×125 μg) into the amniotic sac of chick embryos between 10 and 12 days of incubation resulted in the formation of club-shaped feathers within the feather tracts, and the development of feathers in the scale-forming areas of the feet. The latter finding is interpreted as caused by a disturbance of the tissue interactions which occur in the skin of the feet at this time.
