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Extracellular matrix fibrils and cell contacts in the chick embryo

Possible roles in orientation of cell migration and axon extension

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Summary

The migration of neural crest and sclerotome cells and the extension of ventral root axons in chick embryos at stages 16–20 were studied by light microscopy as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopy at the leg bud level of fixed specimens. Extensive cellular movements take place in association with an extracellular matrix consisting of microfibrils. The neural crest and sclerotome cells migrate into the large matrix-filled extracellular space surrounding the neural tube and notochord, apparently using microfibril bundles as substratum. The cells exhibit pseudopodia which are closely associated with the matrix fibrils. The fibrils around the notochord show a spatial arrangement indicating that the sclerotome cells are contact-guided to their subsequent positions. Mutual cell contacts, including those established by cell processes, frequently show cytoplasmic electron dense plaques at adjacent membranes. These small “plaque contacts” might be correlated to contact inhibition of locomotion between the cells and participate in the guidance of cells. The growth cones of extending axons exhibit filopodia contacting both surrounding mesenchyme cells and extracellular fibrils. The orientation of the axons might thus be affected by contacts with cell surfaces as well as with extracellular material.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Zoology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden

    T. Ebendal

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  1. T. Ebendal
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Technical assistance was given by Mrs. Kerstin Ahlfors, Mrs. Charlotte Fällström, Mrs. Annika Kylberg and Mrs. Stine Söderström

Supported by grants from The Swedish Natural Science Research Council

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Ebendal, T. Extracellular matrix fibrils and cell contacts in the chick embryo. Cell Tissue Res. 175, 439–458 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00222411

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