Cell shape and morphology of the neural tube: Implications for microtubule function

Abstract

Cell shape-determining factors were investigated in the asymmetric cells of the chick embryo neural tube. In order to determine their relative importance in maintenance of cell shape, cytoplasmic microtubules were degraded experimentally by colchicine and cold treatments. The results indicate that concurrent with degradation of microtubules there was reduction of normal cell asymmetry, though the pseudostratified epithelial structure of the neural tube was preserved. It was concluded that microtubules contribute to the maintenance of cell shape, and that other factors, particularly cell contacts and the structural specializations of the apical region of the cells, are also important in maintaining cell shape, the relations of cells to one another, and the total morphology of the neural tube. This work also revealed a differential stability of cytoplasmic microtubules in reaction to experimentally induced degradation.