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Cell membrane regions in preimplantation mouse embryos
Abstract:
Cell membrane regions characterized by alkaline phosphatase activity are described in cleaving mouse embryos and early blastocysts. Enzyme activity is demonstrated by light and electron microscopy, from the late 4-cell stage onwards, on the cell surfaces between blastomeres but not on the outer surface of the embryo. Experiments with dissociated morulae show that this is probably not an artifact due to the retention of the enzyme reaction product between the blastomeres. With the electron microscope the activity is also demonstrated in crystalloid bodies within the cytoplasm. The localization and growth during cleavage of cell membrane regions with enzyme activity is interpreted as the result of new cell membrane formation and/or as a relation of the crystalloid bodies with the cell membrane through the cortical system of microtubules and filaments.
Insights
Alkaline phosphatase activity appears on the cell surfaces between blastomeres in early mouse embryos. This enzyme activity is linked to new cell membrane formation during embryonic development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Embryology
Background:
- Alkaline phosphatase is a key enzyme in cellular processes.
- Understanding early embryonic development requires characterizing cell surface dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and localization of alkaline phosphatase activity in cleaving mouse embryos.
- To explore the relationship between enzyme activity and cell membrane formation.
Main Methods:
- Light and electron microscopy were used to visualize enzyme activity.
- Experiments involved cleaving mouse embryos and dissociated morulae.
Main Results:
- Alkaline phosphatase activity was detected on cell surfaces between blastomeres from the late 4-cell stage.
- Activity was also observed in cytoplasmic crystalloid bodies.
- The observed localization was not an artifact of enzyme reaction product retention.
Conclusions:
- The localization of alkaline phosphatase activity suggests new cell membrane formation during cleavage.
- A potential link exists between cytoplasmic crystalloid bodies and the cell membrane via the cortical cytoskeleton.