The relationship between migration and chondrogenic potential of trunk neural crest cells in Ambystoma mexicanum

1432-041X

Axolotl ; Neural crest ; Ambystoma mexicanum ; Cell migration ; Chondrogenesis

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Biology

Abstract Based on results of transplantation experiments, it has long been believed that trunk neural crest cells are incapable of chondrogenesis. When pigmented trunk neural crest cells of Ambystoma mexicanum are transplanted to cranial levels of albino (a/a) embryos, the graft cells ultimately produce ectopic fins, but are incapable of following the chondrogenic cranial neural crest pathways. Therefore, heterotopic transplantation does not expose these cells to the same environment experienced by cranial neural crest cells, and is neither an adequate nor a sufficient test of chondrogenic potential. However, in vitro culture of trunk neural crest cells with pharyngeal endoderm does provide a direct test of chondrogenic ability. That cartilage does not form under these conditions demonstrates conclusively that trunk neural crest cells possess no chondrogenic potential.

Electronic Resource