Abstract
The embryonic axis is constructed by cells of the mesoderm of the developing embryo and interactions between mesoderm and ectoderm cells subsequently lead to the formation of neural elements whose structures also form in a strict rostro-caudal sequence. Axis formation within the mesoderm naturally falls into two parts: the generation of the mesoderm itself and the patterning of mesodermal elements to form the notochord and somites. Cellular interactions form an integral part of both these processes. This article considers the possible role of direct cell to cell communication through gap junctions during both phases of mesoderm generation. All the work described relates to events in the amphibian embryo, although it is likely that the basic elements of these events will have many points of similarity in all vertebrate species.
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Warner, A. (1986). The Pattern of Communication Through Gap Junctions During Formation of the Embryonic Axis. In: Bellairs, R., Ede, D.A., Lash, J.W. (eds) Somites in Developing Embryos. NATO ASI Series, vol 118. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-2013-3_8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-2013-3_8
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