Transplantation of facial processes for repair of induced branchial arch syndromes.

A technique has been developed by which facial processes with adequately migrated neural crest tissue can be cultured and transplanted to embryos with induced craniofacial malformations. Culturing was carried out in the anterior eye chambers of adult rats or as whole embryo cultures in glass vials (n = 71). Facial processes transplanted to the anterior eye chamber differentiated to cartilage, bone, and mesenchymal tissues. It was possible to keep the embryos alive in whole tissue culture for up to 24 hours. The addition of epidermal growth factor to the culture medium resulted in accelerated growth of epithelium on the surface of the facial processes. Facial processes were accepted when transplanted to either normal or etretinate treated embryos. Epithelium covered the transplanted facial processes, neural crest tissue was seen in the centre, and capillaries were in close contact to the base of each one.