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Development of Reichert's membrane in the early mouse embryo
Abstract:
Although the composition of Reichert's membrane, a thick multilayered basement membrane between the parietal endoderm cells and the trophoblast cells of rodents, has often been investigated, the site of its production remains a subject of controversial discussion. In particular, the role of the trophoblast cells is unclear. In the present work we examined the initial development of Reichert's membrane in the early mouse embryo, using glutaraldehyde fixation with tannic acid. In the early blastocyst the occurrence of a tannic-acid-positive layer located at the inner surface of the mural trophoblast indicated the onset of basement membrane formation by the trophoblast cells. In the peri-implantation phase, this basement membrane extended into lateral areas of the inner cell mass separating the newly differentiated ectoderm and endoderm cells from each other. In these lateral regions, where the recently formed primitive endoderm cells had been attached to the monolayered basement membrane of the mural trophoblast cells, followed by an apposition of basement membrane material, probably synthesized by primitive endoderm cells, along this primary membrane.
Insights
Trophoblast cells initiate Reichert
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Cell biology
- Extracellular matrix biology
Background:
- Reichert's membrane is a crucial basement membrane in rodent embryos.
- Its precise site of production, particularly the role of trophoblast cells, is debated.
- Understanding its origin is key to comprehending early embryonic development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the initial development and cellular origin of Reichert's membrane in early mouse embryos.
- To clarify the contribution of trophoblast cells to Reichert's membrane formation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized glutaraldehyde fixation with tannic acid for ultrastructural analysis.
- Examined early mouse blastocysts and peri-implantation embryos.
- Focused on identifying the initial formation sites and cellular contributions.
Main Results:
- Identified a tannic-acid-positive layer on the mural trophoblast in early blastocysts, indicating trophoblast cell basement membrane production.
- Observed this basement membrane extending laterally, separating ectoderm and endoderm.
- Noted subsequent apposition of basement membrane material by primitive endoderm cells.
Conclusions:
- Trophoblast cells are involved in the initial formation of Reichert's membrane.
- Primitive endoderm cells contribute to Reichert's membrane, likely by synthesizing material along the primary membrane.
- This study clarifies the dual cellular origin of Reichert's membrane during early embryogenesis.