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Cell Dissociation from the Tongue Epithelium and Mesenchyme/Connective Tissue of Embryonic-Day 12.5 and 8-Week-Old Mice
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Tongue development in stillborns autopsied at different gestational ages
Laura S Aguiar1, Guilherme R Juliano1, Luciano A M Silveira2
1Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, MG, Brazil.
Jornal De Pediatria
|November 8, 2017
Summary
Tongue growth is linked to fetal development. This study found that as gestational age increases, so do tongue size, collagen fibers, and blood vessel perimeter, indicating direct relation to tongue development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Histology
- Morphometrics
Background:
- The development of the tongue is crucial for fetal growth and function.
- Understanding the morphometric changes during gestation provides insights into normal and abnormal development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze tongue morphometrics, collagen fiber content, and blood vessel perimeter in relation to gestational age and fetal weight.
- To establish correlations between these parameters and fetal development stages.
Main Methods:
- Macroscopic measurement of tongue length and perimeter in 55 stillborn fetuses (23-40 weeks gestational age).
- Histological processing of tongue tissue, stained with picrosirius for collagen and CD31 for blood vessels.
- Quantification of collagen fibers and vascular perimeter using polarized light and CD31 immunolabeling.
Main Results:
- Significant positive correlations were observed between gestational age and tongue perimeter/length.
- Gestational age showed a significant positive correlation with collagen fibers and blood vessel perimeter.
- Fetal weight positively correlated with collagen fibers and blood vessel perimeter.
Conclusions:
- Tongue formation is directly related to overall tongue growth and development.
- Advancing gestational age leads to increased tongue size, collagen content, and vascularity.
- These findings highlight the dynamic nature of tongue development throughout gestation.
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