A scanning electron microscope study of the development of a peripheral sensory neurite network

The formation of the sensory neurite plexus on the basal lamina of trunk skin in Xenopus embryos has been examined using the scanning electron microscope. It is formed by Rohon-Beard and extramedullary neurons which provide the first sensory innervation of the skin. By observing the distribution of growth cones on the inside surface of the skin of embryos at different ages, the development of the plexus has been followed and related to the development of sensitivity to sensory stimulation. The general features of the plexus are illustrated using a photomontage taken at x 1100. Measurements on neurites from this, and of growth cone orientations demonstrate a general ventral growth pattern with some small regional variations. Interactions of neurites within the plexus are examined. Neurites meeting at shallow angles tend to fasciculate, while those meeting at close to 90 degrees tend to cross each other. Angles of incidence and separation of neurites show few angles less than 30 degrees, which suggests that active adjustments occur after a growth cone meets or leaves another neurite. The observations allow comparison of behaviour of growing neurites in vivo and in vitro. Our evidence suggests that adhesion between growth cones and neurites is stronger than that between growth cones and the basal lamina of the skin.