Yonsei Med J.  1979 Dec;20(2):92-104. 10.3349/ymj.1979.20.2.92.

Mechanism of Neuronal Migration in Human Foetal Cerebrum In-vitro

• Choi BH

• KMID: 687776
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.1979.20.2.92

Abstract

Active migration of immature neurons occurs when fragments of human foetal cerebral tissues are explanted as organotypic cultures. The sequence of events during neuronal migration is orderly and consistent under different cultural conditions as evidenced by continuous time-lapse cinematographic studies. Migrating neurons utilize astrocytes to anchor neurites, and move in clusters on or along the processes of astrocytes or other neurons. Translocation of neuronal soma is accomplished by nuclear movement within extended neurites. A unique junction develops between neurites and astrocytic membrane during early phases in culture to suggest a special affinity of neurons to astrocytes. It is concluded from these observations that immature neurons have inherent capacity for active migration in-vitro; preferentially utilize astrocytes and astrocytic processes for anchoring as well as for directional guidance during migration; and translocate their soma by nuclear movement within extended neurites. It is suggested that similar mechanisms may be at play during migration of postmitotic neurons in developing cerebral cortex in human.

MeSH Terms

Astrocytes/cytology
Brain/cytology
Brain/embryology*
Cell Movement
Fetus
Human
Neural Conduction
Neurons/cytology*
Tissue Culture