Epithelial-mesenchymal interaction in palatal shelf fusion. An in vitro study.

Cleft palate is the result of a number of deviations from normal facial development, including failure of the paired palatal shelves to fuse in the midline. By the use of in vitro techniques it is possible to isolate and study fusion alone. This study investigates some of the epithelial-mesenchymal interactions involved and finds that contact between two epithelial covered surfaces is essential for fusion.