Localization of primordial germ cells (PGCs) in different developmental stages of rohu, Labeo rohita (Ham.)

Abstract

During development of animals the primordial germ cells (PGCs) become gonads in adults. Primordial germ cell localization and characterization is a prerequisite for germplasm conservation and other biotechnological applications in economically valued species. As PGC of any Indian carps has not studied earlier, a preliminary study was done to locate primordial germ cells morphologically and their migration pattern in the histological sections of different developmental stages of Labeo rohita. Germ cells were first detected at late morula stage (characterized by deep staining) and later on characterized by larger faintly stained cells having a centrally placed nucleus. The migration starts from the posterior sides of morula stage to the ventero-lateral positions above the yolk syncytial layer (YSL) up to the tail bud stage and finally reaches the gonadal ridge (i.e., above the gut and in the sides of vertebral column).