Scanning electron microscopy of volk absorption in early chick embryos

Am J Anat. 1975 Apr;142(4):527-31. doi: 10.1002/aja.1001420410.

Abstract

Fresh pullet eggs (White Leghorn Strain) were incubated from 6-19 hours. Blastoderms were fixed in situ with aldehyde fixative, post-osmicated in 2% OsO4, dehydrated in acetone, critical-point-dried, mounted ventral side up, coated with palladium-gold wire and observed in a Cambridge Stereoscan S4 scanning electron microscope. Large extracellular yolk granules had a smooth surface and appeared to break up into smaller particles. Similar particles have been observed intracellularly in transmission electron microscopy. Numerous microappendages, mostly ruffles, suggest phagocytosis as a method of absorption of yolk granules into the cells. Absorption of yolk by the cells of the blastoderm involves an initial break up of yolk granules followed by phagocytosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blastoderm / ultrastructure
  • Chick Embryo
  • Egg Yolk*
  • Female
  • Gold
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Palladium
  • Phagocytosis

Substances

  • Palladium
  • Gold