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Fusion of Neural Folds in the Rhombencephalic Region of Rat Embryos
Author(s) -
Matsuda Motoko
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
development, growth and differentiation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.864
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1440-169X
pISSN - 0012-1592
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-169x.1990.00383.x
Subject(s) - neural fold , microfilament , fusion , anatomy , actin , biology , embryo , neural tube , biophysics , microbiology and biotechnology , neural plate , cytoskeleton , cell , biochemistry , linguistics , philosophy
The progression of fusion of neural folds in the rhombencephalic region of rat embryos was examined using actin‐specific antibody and scanning electron microscopy. In the region of unfused neural folds, actin was distributed over the entire luminal surface of the neural plate. Subsequently, the actin became localized on the luminal surface of outwardly opened, dorsolateral portions of the neural plate. Reduction in the area over which actin was distributed corresponded to the decrease in the area of the luminal surface of outwardly opened, dorsolateral portions of the neural plate. Decrease in the area of the luminal surface synchronized with elevation of the neural folds and their approach to the midline and, finally, actin became localized in areas of the apices of the neural plate that formed the bridge between the two opposing neural folds. These results suggest that formation of the bridge is orchestrated and supported by microfilaments. The procession of fusion in the rostral direction may cause approach of the neural folds to the middle, and this approach may be guaranteed by reduction in the area of the luminal surface over which actin is distributed.