Analysis of mesenchyme in the developing hind limb of Rana pipiens larvae with implications for neural development

Mesenchyme in the hind limbs of Rana pipiens tadpoles may serve as an important influence on the development of specific neural structures involved in limb innervation. Thus a histological quantification of mesenchyme was undertaken to identify landmark stages with respect to mesenchyme presence and neural events. Mesenchyme remained as a high percentage of the limb tissue until stage V (Taylor-Kollros stages, '46), after which it declined dramatically until its virtual absence after stage XI. The volume of mesenchyme, however, was greatest at stages VIII-IX. Periods of high and low mesenchyme content were correlated in time with potential limb involvement in regulating limb innervation and motor neuron loss from the lateral motor columns. This provides additional evidence for developmental relationships between events of the limb and neural tissues.