Summary
Development of periderm cells covering fore-and hindlimb buds of mouse em`ryos was observed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy at half day intervals from day 9.5 to 12.5 of gestation (vaginal plug=day 0).
At day 9.5, the epidermis is single layered. Occasional periderm cells are present at day 10.5. By day 11.5 a complete layer of periderm cells has covered the entire limb bud.
By scanning electron microscopic observation, periderm cells covering the apical ectodermal ridge (AER) are characterized by a small surface size and an elongated polygonal shape with the long axis parallel to the antero-posterior contour of the apical rim. Periderm cells covering the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the limb bud are relatively large and have a polygonal surface shape.
The periderm covering the apical tip reflects well the developmental state of the AER. Hence, it is possible to estimate the development of the AER by observing the surface features of the apical periderm by scanning electron microscopy.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bellairs, R., Bancroft, M.: Midbodies and beaded threads. Am. J. Anat. 143, 393–398 (1975)
Bérczy, J.: Zur Ultrastruktur der Extremitätenknospe. Z. Anat. Entwickl.-Gesch. 125, 295–315 (1966)
Ede, D.A., Bellairs, R., Bancroft, M.: A scanning electron microscopic study of the early limb-bud in normal and talpid 3 mutant chick embryos. J. Embryol. Exp. Morphol. 31, 761–785 (1974)
Fallon, J.F., Kelley, R.O.: Ultrastructural analysis of the apical ectodermal ridge during vertebrate limb morphogenesis. II. Gap junctions as distinctive ridge structures common to birds and mammals. J. Embryol. Exp. Morphol. 41, 223–232 (1977)
Jurand, A.: Ultrastructural aspects of early development of the fore-limb buds in the chick and the mouse. Proc. R. Soc. Lond. (Biol.) 162, 387–405 (1965)
Kelley, R.O.: Fine structure of the apical rim-mesenchyme complex during limb morphogenesis in man. J. Embryol. Exp Morphol. 29, 117–131 (1973)
Kelley, R.O., Fallon, J.F.: Ultrastructural analysis of the apical ectodermal ridge during vertebrate limb morphogenesis. I. The human forelimb with special reference to gap junctions. Dev. Biol. 51, 241–256 (1976)
Meller, S.M., Coppe, M.R., Ito, S., Waterman, R.E.: Transmission electron microscopy of critical point dried tissue after observation in the scanning electron microscope. Anat. Rec. 176, 245–252 (1973)
Schweichel, J.U.: Das elektronmikroskopische Bild des Abbaues der epithelialen Scheitelleiste während der Extremitätenentwicklung bei Rattenfeten. Z. Anat. Entwickl.-Gesch. 136, 192–203 (1972)
Theiler, K.: The House Mouse. Berlin-Heidelberg-New York: Springer 1972
Weiss, L.W., Zelickson, A.S.: Embryology of the epidermis: Ultrastructural aspects. I. Formation and early development in the mouse with mammalian comparisons. Acta Derm. Venereol. (Stockh.) 55, 161–168 (1975)
Yasuda, M., Nakamura, H.: Pathogenesis of limb malformations in human and mouse embryos: abnormalities of the apical ectodermal ridge. In: Fifth International Conference on Birth Defects (J.W. Littlefield, ed.), p. 61, Amsterdam — Oxford: Excerpta Medica (1977)
Yasuda, M., Nakamura, H.: Scanning electron microscopic observation of pathogenesis of limb malformations in mutant “meromelia” mice. Acta Anat. Nippon. 53, 130–131 (1978)
Zwilling, E.: Limb morphogenesis. Adv. Morphogen. 1, 301–330 (1961)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
This work was supported by Scientific research Grant No. 348082 from the Ministry of Education, Japan
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Nakamura, H., Yasuda, M. An electron microscopic study of periderm cell development in mouse limb buds. Anat Embryol 157, 121–132 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00305153
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00305153