The fine structure of human germ layers in vivo : clues to the early differentiation of embryonic stem cells in vitro

Abstract The fine structure of the three germ layers in human ectopic embryos (stage 7) have been documented by digital light and electron microscopy. The formation of ectoderm, endoderm and mesoderm and notochordal cells, and also the extraembryonic membranes, amnion and yolk sac, are imaged. The g...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Reproductive biomedicine online 2011-08, Vol.23 (2), p.227-233
Main Authors: Sathananthan, Henry, Selvaraj, Kamala, Clark, Joan
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Amnion - physiology
Cell Differentiation
ectoderm
Ectoderm - pathology
ectopic embryo
Embryo Culture Techniques
Embryonic Stem Cells - cytology
endoderm
Endoderm - pathology
Germ Layers
Humans
mesoderm
Mesoderm - pathology
Microscopy, Electron - methods
Microscopy, Electron, Transmission - methods
Mitosis
Obstetrics and Gynecology
primitive streak
Primitive Streak - pathology
TEM
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Summary:Abstract The fine structure of the three germ layers in human ectopic embryos (stage 7) have been documented by digital light and electron microscopy. The formation of ectoderm, endoderm and mesoderm and notochordal cells, and also the extraembryonic membranes, amnion and yolk sac, are imaged. The germ layers give rise to all the cells and tissues of the human body. Possible clues to the early differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESC) in vitro were obtained, since these events are more or less mimicked in cultures of ESC derived from the inner cell mass of human blastocysts. The findings are discussed with reference to previous studies on the fine structure of ESC using the same technique. The fine structure of the three germ layers of the week three human embryo has been documented. These germ layers give rise to all the cells and tissues of the human body. They are the blueprints from which embryonic stem cells are formed later on in development and would be useful to those who are involved in stem cell biotechnology.
ISSN:1472-6483
1472-6491
DOI:10.1016/j.rbmo.2011.05.004