Cell kinetics of surgically induced spinal open neural tube defect in chick embryos

In an attempt to understand cell kinetics of open neural tube defects (ONTDs) in the embryonic stages, chronological changes of cell proliferation and cell death patterns in the surgically induced spinal ONTDs of chick embryos were investigated using proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) nick end labeling (TUNEL) method. ONTDs were induced at Hamburger and Hamilton stages 17-19. Compared with the control group, the surgery group showed a lower PCNA labeling index for 5 days after surgery and demonstrated more TUNEL-positive cells at 6 h, 3 and 5 days after surgery. Decreased cell proliferation and enhanced apoptosis were seen in the ventral as well as in the dorsal spinal cord. These results partly explain the functional deficits of ONTDs.