Spinal congenital dermal sinus in a chick embryo model. Laboratory investigation.

Abstract

OBJECT:

The origin of spinal congenital dermal sinuses is not known. A local nondisjunction of the closing neural tube and the epidermal ectoderm is thought to be the cause of this malformation. In this experimental study, a nondisjunction was mimicked in chick embryos to create an animal model for the dermal sinus.

METHODS:

A piece of amniotic tissue was implanted in the closing neural tube in ovo in chick embryos at 2 days of incubation. A total of 50 embryos were manipulated. After a further incubation time of 2-7 days, the embryos were macroscopically and histologically evaluated.

RESULTS:

Dermal sinus-like anomalies were induced in 24 embryos. The induced abnormalities varied from superficial, epidermal lesions to epidermal dimples continuing as a strand of tissue toward the neural tube. This strand invariably was of nonneuronal origin. Additionally, in 3 embryos a split cord malformation was noted, most likely caused by damage to the neural tube during implantation.

CONCLUSIONS:

Implantation of donor amniotic tissue in the closing chick neural tube does result in a dimple, from which a strand of tissue continues to the neural tube in various cases, indicating that formation of a dermal sinus-like anomaly can be successfully induced by experimental continuation of the connection between neural tube and surface ectoderm. This finding strengthens the hypothesis that a human dermal sinus arises after nondisjunction of neural tube and surface ectoderm.

• Authors: Jasper van Aalst, Toon F M Boselie, Emile A M Beuls, Johan S H Vles, Henny W M van Straaten
• Journal: Journal of neurosurgery. Pediatrics (J Neurosurg Pediatr) Vol. 3 Issue 1 Pg. 24-8 (Jan 2009) ISSN: 1933-0707 [Print] United States
• PMID: 19119900 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Animals
• Chick Embryo
• Disease Models, Animal
• Ectoderm (pathology)
• Neural Tube (embryology, pathology)
• Neural Tube Defects (embryology, pathology)
• Notochord (embryology, pathology)
• Spina Bifida Occulta (embryology, pathology)