Hatching gland cells of trout embryos as the target of positional information.

HGCs were found in the head epidermis, yolk sac and pharynx epithelium of trout embryos. These cells usually appear in clusters, closely related positionally to neighbouring cells. The differentiation and specialization of HGCs seem to be mainly dependent on cell-cell interactions, which provides, in part, the positional information necessary for the cells to differentiate and localize in the appropriate place. The final secretory process is the result of a sequence of events by which the maturation of enzymatic granules occurs. The electron-density of the granules varies according to the proximity of the secretory stage. Exocytosis of the secretory granules were observed. After secretion, each HGC undergoes cellular death by apoptosis (programmed cell death).