Defects in the archenteron of mouse embryos homozygous for the T-mutation

The development of the head process was studied in mouse embryos homozygous for the Brachyury (T) mutation at stages between days 7 1/2 and 8 1/2 using scanning electron microscopy. Intact T/T embryos removed from deciduae were distinguished from their normal littermates at the presomite stage on the basis of an abnormally short allantois. In the homozygotes so distinguished, the prenotochordal cells were fewer in the archenteron area, and the typical indentation of the archenteron was not observed. These defects are probably early indicators of the abnormality of the notochord previously described for later stages of development.