Biophysical Journal 15: 373-389 (1975)
© 1975 the Biophysical Society

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Dicaprio, R A Articles by Sanders, E J Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Dicaprio, R A Articles by Sanders, E J

Intercellular connectivity in the eight-cell Xenopus embryomcorrelation of electrical and morphological investigations.

ABSTRACT

The distribution of individual intercellular electrical junctions has been examined in eight-cell Xenopus embryos using linear systems analysis. Morphological evidence for corresponding intercellular contacts has been sought by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The electrical investigation indicated that each cell is directly coupled to each of the other seven cells by identical resistive junctions. Scanning electron microscopy of the cell surfaces of cleaved embryos revealed protrusions from the surfaces of the cells which could mediate such intercellular connections. Light microscopy of serial sections through the embryos also showed fine processes of the cell surfaces which come into contact with several other cells. The complete intercellular connectivity suggested by these results appears to be an extension of similarly close connectivity in the two- and four-cell embryos. The possible significance of this high connectivity to morphogenesis is discussed.