Multistep role for actin in initial closure of the mesencephalic neural groove in the chick embryo.

In a previous study, we have demonstrated that initial closure of the mesencephalic neural groove in the chick embryo is different from neurulation elsewhere. The neural groove invaginates, the walls appose and make contact in a ventrodorsal direction, and subsequently separate ventrally, forming an incipient neural tube lumen, which finally widens into a definitive lumen. In this study, a role for actin in the processes of this initial mesencephalic closure is studied. Based on rhodamine-phalloidin-stained sections, three distinct actin distribution patterns emerged, and time-lapse video microscopy revealed cytochalasin-D-reversible neurulation movements. We propose that actin is involved in formation and stabilization of the neural groove hinge point, in invagination of dorsal neuroepithelial cells into the neural groove, in the origin of the incipient lumen and the reinforcement of adhesion of the dorsal neural folds, and finally in the development of a wide lumen. Such a multifunctional effect of actin microfilaments within a narrow time window and at specific sites has not been reported yet. Copyright 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.