Fig. 3.

ENCDCs are required for Col18 and agrin expression around the ENS. E5 chick hindgut was explanted with or without ceca onto the CAM of a host chick to generate ganglionic or aganglionic colon, respectively (A). After 9 days, Hu (enteric neurons; B), Col18 (C; inset shows a Col18-expressing ganglion), agrin (D) and perlecan (E) are expressed in the normally ganglionated colon. Arrowheads (D,E) indicate a myenteric ganglion. By contrast, aganglionic colon shows absence of enteric neurons (F), abnormal Col18 (G) and agrin (H), and preserved perlecan (I) expression. ep, epithelium; mg, midgut; mp, myenteric plexus; smp, submucosal plexus.