NEURON-GLIA INTERRELATIONS DURING MIGRATION OF PURKINJE-CELLS IN THE MOUSE EMBRYONIC CEREBELLUM

The interrelations between migratory Purkinje cells and radial glial p rocesses were examined immunohistochemically and electron-microscopica lly in the fetal mouse cerebellum. Migratory Purkinje cells identified immunochemically with anti-spot 35 antibody were apposed to the presu med radial glial processes. Putative immature migratory Purkinje cells were apposed to the radial glial processes identified immunochemicall y with monoclonal antibody 1D11 or anti-tenascin antibody. Junctional specializations related to cell adhesion were observed at the sites of contact between the immature neurons and glial processes. Furthermore , coated vesicles and coated pits were noted in the contact region. Th ese findings support the concept of contact guidance of migratory Purk inje cells by radial glial processes through cell adhesion, and also s uggest the trophic interactions occurring at the region of contact. Co pyright (C) 1996 ISDN.