Electrorotation of axolotl embryos.

The frequency dependent dielectric properties of individual axolotl embryos (Ambystoma mexicanum) were investigated experimentally utilizing the technique of electrorotation. Individual axolotl embryos, immersed in low conductivity media, were subjected to a known frequency and fixed amplitude rotating AC electric field and the ensuing rotational motion of the embryo was monitored using a conventional optical microscope. None of the embryos in the pregastrulation or neurulation stages of development exhibited any rotational motion over the field frequency range (10 Hz-5 MHz).