Dynamics of cortico-angiogenesis in the developing chick optic tectum

RODRÍGUEZ CELIN, A.; RAPACIOLI, M.; DUARTE S.; ORTALLI, A.; TERUEL, L.; SÁNCHEZ, V.; SCICOLONE, G.; LÓPEZ-COSTA, JJ.; FLORES, V.

San Francisco, California, USA

Congreso; Society for Developmental Biology 58th Annual Meeting; 2009

Society for Developmental Biology

This work analyzes the temporal-spatial correlation between angio- and corticogenesis in the developing chick optic tectum (OT) by means of NADPH-diaphorase and immunolabeling methods. Qualitative and quantitative parameters were used to analyze new vessel formation and growth of preexisting ones as a function of time and space. Angiogenesis begins with the radial ingression of capillary-like vessels, at the cephalic-basal mesencephalon which by terminal anastomosis form a subventricular plexus (SVP). The tangential expansion of the SVP is accompanied by the simultaneous ingression of additional vessels originated as radial from the external plexus overlying the pial surface. As corticogenesis progresses by the addition of concentric neuronal layers, new vessels, with different spatial orientation, sprout from the previously formed radial vessels. A clear temporal correlation was observed between sprouting of new branches and formation of new neuronal layers. Besides, there is a remarkable spatial correlation between the increase in complexity of the OT cortex and that of the vascular beds. At least five vascular beds with different spatial patterns and specific positions respect to the successively appearing cortical layer were identified at the end of the development. Angio- and corticogenesis progress as a function of time and space from the cephalic to the caudal OT ends. our results could advantageously help to analyze the signaling networks involved in regulating the cortico-angiogenesis.