[Localization of embryonal acetylcholinesterase during the early development of the chick embryo]

The presence of "embryonic" acetylcholinesterase activity, as described by Drews (1975) was investigated during early chick embryonic development, mainly in the following systems: a) primitive streak and Hensen's node during gastrulation movements; b) area opaca during blood islets and vessels differentiation; c) mesoderma of lateral laminae, during delamination movements. The demonstration of enzymic activity was performed with slightly modified histochemical methods. The enzyme was thus localized around the nuclei, in the cytoplasm and associated to plasma membrane of cells engaged in morphogenetic movements. The enzyme activity localized at the plasma membrane was supposed to be involved in the regulation of membrane functions concerning intercellular communications, such as inductive message, perhaps mediated by ion fluxes.