Apoptotic cell death during normal embryogenesis of the coronal suture: early detection of apoptosis in mice using annexin V.

Regulation of programmed cell death (apoptosis) is crucial for normal development and growth, both prenatally and postnatally. If its role during normal embryogenesis of a given structure is established, a number of related congenital disorders can be explained by a (local) deregulation of apoptosis. In this study, apoptotic cell death patterns during normal development of the murine coronal suture were investigated. Detection of apoptotic cells was undertaken by labeling with Annexin V. Results showed apoptosis occurring at the same time and place as suture initiation. Apoptotic cells are located along the entire established part of the suture and its developing part. Because apoptosis is shown to be highly associated with sutural genesis, the theory of craniosynostosis being the equivalent of deregulation at this locus seems in line with these findings.