Characterizing Primordial Germ Cells in the Turkey (Meleagris Gallopavo) Embryo

Introduction: The current study aimed to identify and characterize primordial germ cells in the blood, genital ridge, and primary gonad in turkey. Besides, we described the histological characteristics of ovaries in the turkey embryo. Methods: The embryos from stages 14 to 31 per Hamburger and Hamilton, were studied by the means of blood smear and serial sections from the wholemount embryo. The primordial germ cells were identified by histochemical and immunostaining techniques. Results: The present research results suggested that these cells could be identified by their remarkably large size, large nuclei, and granules in the cytoplasm. At stages 20-21 of Hamburger and Hamilton, the alkaline phosphatase reaction was negative in these cells. Furthermore, the primordial germ cells could not be labeled by stagespecific antigen1 antibody in the primary gonad. We observed that these cells provided negative or poorly positive staining with Alcian blue solution in the migration phase. The presence of glycogen in the cytoplasm of the primordial germ cells was verified using periodic acidSchiff and Best rsquo;s Carmine methods. These cells were Best rsquo;s Carmine positive; however, they contained reduced amounts of glycogen in the primary gonad. Conclusion: The study findings demonstrated that the periodic acid-Schiff is the best method for identifying the turkey primordial germ cells in the blood and migration phase. Moreover, we reported the existence of histological differences between the right and left ovaries in the turkey embryo.