Mechanisms of Cell Interaction during Primary Embryonic Induction Studied in Transfilter Experiments

The transmission mechanisms operative at different stages of neutralisation during primary embryonic induction of the newt Triturus vulgaris were studied in experiments employing Nuclepore filters placed between interactive tissue explants. The transmission time of the neuralising effect was determined with 0.2 μm Nuclepore filter. In another series of experiments the transformation of neuralised ectoderm by archenteron roof mesoderm into other parts of the CNS was studied. Although sufficiently long induction times were used no transformation into hindbrain structures could be induced across filters with pore sizes from 0.1 μm to 1.0 μm. However, electron microscopy demonstrated cytoplasmic penetration into 0.6 μm filters at 15 h of induction. The results speak against free long-range diffusion of inductive material at the stage of transformation of the neuralised ectoderm to more caudal parts of CSN and warrant a more detailed structural study of the transmission phenomenon in question.