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Tissue interactions during axial structure pattern formation in amphibia
Scanning Electron Microscopy
|January 1, 1981
Summary
Amphibian axial development relies on tissue interactions. However, studies show the notochord is dispensable for neural tube and somite formation, challenging traditional views.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Amphibian embryogenesis
- Morphogenesis
Background:
- Traditional models emphasize tissue interactions in amphibian axial structure development.
- These interactions are thought to pattern neural fold morphogenesis, neural tube formation, and somite development.
- A review of axial structure development and the classical viewpoint is presented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-examine axis formation in amphibian embryos using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
- To investigate the role of the notochord in axial structure development.
- To understand ultrastructural alterations in notochord and neural tube cells.
Main Methods:
- Irradiation of fertile amphibian eggs prior to first cleavage to induce notochord defects.
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for comparative analysis of normal and "notochord defective" embryos.
- Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) for ultrastructural examination of cells.
Main Results:
- Embryos with defects in notochord development (ranging from diminished length to complete obliteration) were successfully produced.
- Comparative SEM analysis revealed that the notochord is dispensable for the developing axial structure system.
- TEM examination provided insights into ultrastructural alterations in notochord and neural tube cells of irradiated embryos.
Conclusions:
- The notochord is not essential for normal amphibian axial structure morphogenesis, contrary to previous assumptions.
- Tissue interactions, beyond notochordal influence, play a crucial role in patterning.
- Further studies on notochord structure and somitogenesis mechanics are warranted.