METHODS: Cranial neural crest explants were cultured in free-serum medium containing modified DMEM/F12 and different doses of FGF-8. The differentiation type of CNCC were determined by in situ hybridization for Hoxa2 and immunocytochemistry for vimentin.
RESULTS: Pre-emigrating CNCC demonstrated the negative Hoxa2 stain and positive vimentin stain after treated by 100 ug/FGF-8. Both post-emigrating CNCC group and control group were positive for Hoxa2 and vimentin stain.
CONCLUSIONS: On the early stage of CNCC emigration, the first branchial arch phenotype of CNCC could be induced by FGF-8. This experiment could provide in vitro model for study on the mechanism of tooth-jaw regeneration.