Critical Evaluation of Embedding Media for Histological Studies of Early Stages of Chick Embryo Development.

A histological examination is an important tool in embryology, developmental biology, and correlated areas. Despite the amount of information available about tissue embedding and different media, there is a lack of information regarding best practices for embryonic tissues. Embryonic tissues are considered fragile structures, usually small in size, and frequently challenging to position correctly in media for the subsequent histological steps.

Lead exposure affects cephalic morphogenesis and neural crest cells in Gallus gallus embryo.

The morphogenesis of the head of vertebrates is a process that involves rapid growth and dynamic movements of various cell populations, including the neural crest cells (NCC). These pluripotent cells generated during neurulation have high proliferative and migratory capacity but xenobiotic agents can affect these migratory periods and cause congenital malformations. Lead (Pb) is the most common toxic metal in the environment and a potent teratogen that can affect growth and induce malformations.

Morphological evidence of neurotoxic effects in chicken embryos after exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and inorganic cadmium.

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and cadmium (Cd) are persistent environmental pollutants, bioaccumulative, and capable of crossing the placental barrier. There is evidence of developmental toxicity induced by PFOA and Cd, but their effects on early development are still poorly understood. In the present study, chicken embryos were exposed to PFOA, Cd, and a mixture of PFOA + Cd from blastula stage up to 72 h of incubation.