Alterations in the epithelial surface of A/Jax mouse palatal shelves prior to and during palatal fusion: A scanning electron microscopic study

The surfaces of palatal shelves from carefully staged A/Jax mouse embryos were examined with the scanning electron microscope prior to and during palatal fusion. No change was observed in the appearance of cells covering the oral and nasal surfaces of the shelves. A change was observed, however, in the region of presumptive fusion, and was detectable on vertical shelves just prior to transposition. This change initially involved surface cells along the future medial edge of the shelf at the level of the second to third rugae. It was characterized by a loss of distinct cellular boundaries, the appearance of intercellular gaps caused by apparent retraction of adjacent cells, and a progressive accumulation of filamentous material at the surface. These alterations spread posteriorly along the medial edge of the shelf during transposition and fusion. While it was impossible to determine the precise nature of the surface change from S.E.M. data alone, the fact that it both preceded closure and was restricted to the region of subsequent contact and fusion between the shelves suggests it may be a prerequisite for normal palatal fusion and may represent an expression of the acquisition of a potential to fuse similar to that proposed for palatal fusion in vitro.