Nerve Growth Factor Receptor Immunolocalization during Human Palate and Tongue Development

Abstract

Objective To investigate the temporospatial pattern of nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR) immunolocalization during human palatal closure. Materials Human palate and tongue tissues from 33 embryos/fetuses, 9 to 22 weeks of fertilization age. Methods Tissues were divided according to developmental stage and palatal development (before, during, and after closure) and then subjected to decalcification, paraffin embedding, serial sectioning, survey staining, and p75NGFR immunohistochemical staining. Results Specific temporospatial patterns of p75NGFR reactivity were observed; reactivity was intense in the soft tissue palatal shelves before and during palatal closure and was weaker in the palate after palatal closure. In the tongue, intense reactivity was seen throughout 9 to 22 weeks. Conclusion The observed patterns suggest that p75NGFR may enable the visualization of physiological events in palatal closure during normal human development.