Scanning electron microscopy of prenatal muscle development in the mouse
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Abstract:
Scanning electron microscopy was used to study prenatal muscle development in mouse fetuses ranging from 12 days to 18 days gestation. Some transmission electron micrographs were also used for comparison. At 12 days no myofibres were evident although at 13 days long fibres surrounded by many mononucleated cells could be seen. At 14 days bundles of primary myofibres were observed with new myofibres forming in crevices between adjacent fibres. At 16 days the primary myofibres had separated but smaller secondary myofibres could be seen forming along their surfaces. The myofibres were very compact at 18 days and often appeared fused but this was due to the basal lamina ensheathing clusters of primary myofibres with their secondaries. The scanning electron micrographs appeared to illustrate the theories of muscle development which have arisen out of the various studies employing sectioning techniques.
Insights
This study used scanning electron microscopy to visualize prenatal muscle development in mice. It revealed the sequential formation and arrangement of myofibers from 12 to 18 days of gestation.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Muscle Physiology
- Electron Microscopy
Background:
- Prenatal muscle development is crucial for organismal function.
- Understanding myofiber formation provides insights into muscle growth and regeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate prenatal muscle development in mouse fetuses.
- To visualize myofiber formation and arrangement using scanning electron microscopy.
Main Methods:
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed.
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used for comparative analysis.
- Mouse fetuses from 12 to 18 days of gestation were examined.
Main Results:
- No myofibers were observed at 12 days gestation.
- Longitudinal fibers surrounded by mononucleated cells appeared at 13 days.
- Primary myofibers formed bundles by 14 days, with secondary myofibers emerging along their surfaces by 16 days.
- By 18 days, myofibers appeared compact and fused due to basal lamina ensheathment.
Conclusions:
- SEM effectively illustrates theories of muscle development derived from sectioning techniques.
- The study provides a detailed temporal and spatial account of prenatal myofiber development in mice.