Two modes of cell migration in the ventral horn of the spinal cord in the chick embryo. A Golgi study.

The migration process of the ventral horn in chick embryo spinal cord cells has been studied between 2.5 and 5 days of incubation (HH-17, HH-26), using the Golgi technique. Two different migratory modes are observed. Type I--Migration by nucleus translocation. Most of the ventral horn motor neurons migrate by nucleus translocation within the peripheral cylinder of the cytoplasm (migration by nucleus translocation). Type II--Free migration cells. Other cells migrate disconnected from both limiting surfaces (ventricular and pial). On the basis of shape and migratory behaviour they have been identified as smooth cells and multipodial cells.