AAS ›› 2013, Vol. 44 ›› Issue (3 ): 304-307.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.0529-1356.2013.03.002

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Correlation of draxin expression and neural crest migration in chick embryonic spinal cord at different developmental stage

SU Yu-hong 1*  ZHANG San-bingCUI Hui-xianKANG Lin1  WANG Lei1  DU Juan1  YUAN Shi-jun3   

  1. 1. Department of Anatomy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; 2. Department of Hand and Foot Surgery,
    the Third Hospital of Shijiazhuang City, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; 3. The Second Department of Neurosurgery, the First Hospital of Handan City, Hebei Handan 056002, China
  • Received:2012-06-05 Revised:2012-07-10 Online:2013-06-06 Published:2013-07-16

Abstract:

Objective To examine the correlation of draxin expression and neural crest migration in chick embryonic spinal
cord at different developmental stages.Methods Ten chick embryos at different stages were used. In situ hybridization and
immunohistochemistry were used to observe the localization of draxin expression, the migration pathway of neural crest cell-the
spatial correlation of draxin expression and the neural crest migration. Living tissue incubation with draxin alkaline phosphatase
(draxin-AP) recombinant protein was used to check the binding ability of migrating neural crest with draxin protein. Results With
development, the draxin expression and neural crest migration had a very similar anterior-posterior gradient in chick embryonic
spinal cord. Draxin was expressed in the dorsal neural tube, roof plate and dorsal tip of dermomyotome which surrounded the
migration pathway of neural crest cells. We also found that portion of migrating neural crest cells bound to draxin-AP protein
directly. Conclusion Draxin is expressed in the tissues surrounding the neural crest migration pathway and portion of migrating
neural crest cells binds to draxin protein directly. We conclude therefore that draxin may be involved in the regulation of neural
crest cell migration in chick embryonic spinal cord.

Key words: Draxin, Spinal cord, Neural crest, Migration, In situ hybridization, Immumohistochemistry, Chick embryo