[Computer modelling of gastrulation and neurulation in amphibian embryos based on mechanical tension fields]

The values of cell wall tensions were calculated with an assumption of mechanical equilibrium of every cell apex on schematic diagrams of histological sections of the common frog embryonic tissues. The maps of the main (the strongest) tensions were drawn for the early gastrula and early neurula. The further course of gastrulation and neurulation was simulated with an assumption that the cell apices are displaced due to active contractions of the most tensed cell walls (variant A of the model). In addition, a suggestion was studied that the capacity for contraction falls in the most extended cell walls (variant B). Up to seven steps of model morphogenesis were simulated and the tension field was recalculated at every step. The course of gastrulation and neurulation was reproduced during simulation with sufficient details, including regional peculiarities of neurulation in the trunk and head regions. Both variants gave roughly similar results for gastrulation, whereas variant B ensured a faster course of model morphogenesis for neurulation. A conclusion was drawn that the mechanical tension fields established by the onset of gastrulation and neurulation represent a sufficient informational base for their further course.