Neurovascular Anatomy of the Embryonic Quail Hindlimb

Abstract

Blood vessel and nerve development in the vertebrate embryo possess certain similarities in pattern and molecular guidance cues. In order to study the specific influence of shared guidance molecules on nervous and vascular development, an understanding of normal neurovascular anatomy must be in place. The avian embryo is an excellent system for the study of neurovascular development and has traditionally focused on the chick and the quail forelimb. We have studied the pattern of nervous and vascular development in the quail hindlimb using immunohistochemistry and fluorescently labeled intravital injection combined with confocal and epifluorescent microscopy. The developmental patterns of major nerves and blood vessels of embryonic hindlimbs between the stages E2.75 and E6.5 are described. A high degree of spatial congruency was found between major nerves and blood vessels of the quail hindlimb. The spatial pattern of nervous development in the quail hindlimb was essentially identical to that of the chick, but was found to proceed at a slightly more rapid pace. This study provides the anatomical basis necessary for future studies examining the role of Sema3A on the congruency of nerves and blood vessels entering the embryonic hindlimb bud.