Summary
The development of intercellular junctions in the neural retina of the chick embryo between the seventh and nineteenth day of incubation has been studied. The main findings are:
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1.
The zonulae adhaerentes, which make up the outer limiting membrane of the adult retina, are present throughout the period of development covered by this study.
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2.
Small intercellular junctions of the macula adhaerens diminuta type appear in large numbers in the plexiform layers of the retina of 10 days incubation and are retained throughout development.
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3.
Synapse-like structures appear in the inner plexiform layer of the retina after 14 days of incubation.
The possible relevance of these intercellular junctions to retinal morphogenesis is discussed.
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It is a pleasure to thank Professor A. A. Moscona for encouragement and guidance throughout this investigation. Supported by training grant No. 5T1-GM-150 from the National Institutes of Health, U.S.P.H.S. and by research grants No. HD-01253 to A. A. Moscona from the National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, U.S.P.H.S. and No. GB-7591 to D. A. Fischman from the National Science Foundation.
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Sheffield, J.B., Fischman, D.A. Intercellular junctions in the developing neural retina of the chick embryo. Z.Zellforsch. 104, 405–418 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00335691
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00335691