Secondary palatal development in the New Zealand white rabbit: a scanning electron microscopic study

Examination of surface topography in prefusion stages of secondary palatal development in rabbit embryos reveals a sequence of alterations in the surface cells of the epithelium along the medial margins of the palatal processes. A progressive increase in cellular protrusions resembling lamellipodia and filopodia, as well as cellular necrosis, is observed in those areas that undergo fusion. The changes precede fusion and are restricted to fusion sites. Prior to and at the time of epithelial contact between palatal processes, many long slender cellular protrusions are seen bridging the gap between the approximating tissues. The localization of the epithelial alterations and the appearance of similar cellular morphology in other embryonic epithelial fusion events strongly suggest: either an active role of the epithelial cells in the fusion of the secondary palate, or some common fundamental biochemical events that may facilitate or are responsible for the initial adhesion of such tissues.