Characterization of the Extracellular Matrix during Somitogenesis in the Long-Tailed Monkey (<i>Macaca fascicularis</i>)

Abstract

The composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) associated with somitogenesis (stages 10–14) in the long-tailed monkey (Macaca fascicularis) was examined using peroxidase immunocytochemistry. A distinct temporal and spatial staining pattern was demonstrated for each component examined. Fibronectin (FN), laminin (LM) and hyaluronic acid (HA) were associated with the somite at each developmental stage, while no chondroitin sulfate (CS) staining was evident until stages 13/14. The basement membrane and matrix fibers linking the somites to the surrounding epithelia stained for FN, LM and HA. Localization of LM and HA between somite cells was observed at each stage, whereas FN and CS reactivity within the somitic tissue was only observed between sclerotome cells at stages 13/14. Whereas FN- and HA-positive fibers surrounded the unsegmented mesoderm, HA, and to a lesser extent LM, were located within the pre-somitic tissue. Comparisons are made with earlier studies conducted in rodent and avian embryos which indicate that these ECM components may play a regulatory role in primate somitogenesis.

Distribution of fibronectin in foetal tissues.

“…We have demonstrated the presence of fibronectin in the course of thymic and eye organogenesis in distinct localizations. Distribution of fibronectin was examined during somitogenesis (Peterson et al, 1993) and heart and lung differentiation (Roman and McDonald, 1992). We have found that both the above-mentioned organs were positive in human and pig foetuses in all developmental stages.…”

Effects of 13‐cis‐retinoic acid on hindbrain and craniofacial morphogenesis in long‐tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis)

“…The fixed specimens were then processed and embedded in paraffin for serial sectioning at 5-7 pm. Standard immunoperoxidase methods were utilized for detection of the basement membrane protein, COL IV [40,41], and NCAM, which labels migrating NCCs [39]. For Hoxb-1 protein detection, we adopted the method of Wall et al [45] with slight modifications and utilization of a signal detection…”