Local increase level of chondroitin sulfate induces changes in the rhombencephalic neural crest migration

Numerous studies suggest that chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) inhibits neural crest cells (NCC) migration at the trunk level. However, its action on the cephalic neural crest is not clear. To determine this action, we have microinjected 0.5 nl of different concentrations of chondroitin sulfate (CS) at the anterior rhombencephalon level in 9 stage chick embryos, as well as subgerminally administering beta-D-xyloside to 8 stage chick embryos. Beta-D-xyloside disrupts CSPG synthesis, producing an increase in CS free chains in several embryonal anlages. Chondroitin sulfate microinjected embryos and beta-D xyloside treated embryos were reincubated until attaining 12 stage. Results obtained for both experimental groups were similar. Immunoreactivity with HNK-1 antibody revealed that NCC did not migrate, remaining near the rhombencephalon dorsal wall; in addition, several NCC did not separate from the neural fold, becoming invaginated towards the rhombencephalon cavity. Our findings indicate that an increase in CS free chains in cephalic neural crest migratory routes not only disrupts their migration, but also impedes delamination and detachment of the rhombencephalic neuroepithelium NCC. These data suggest that the inhibitory action upon the neural crest migration attributed to CSPG may rest on its glycosaminoglycan (GAG). We cannot, however, rule out the possibility that increases in other GAGs apart from CS, may produce similar effects on neural crest migration.