Expression of apoptosis in the developing human cephalic region during the embryonic and early fetal period.

The aim of our work was to study the expression of apoptosis in the cephalic region in human embryonic and fetal material. Twelve human embryos and fetuses were processed by routine histological technique and then studied using the Boehringer-Mannheim Company kit for TUNNEL technique. Rich appearance of apoptotic cells was typical for mesenchyme and for tissues of the mesenchymal origin. Dispersed or focal occurrence of apoptotic cells was described in nervous system and some orofacial structures during the embryonic period. During the early fetal period occurrence of apoptosis decreased and only rare apoptotic nuclei were visible in studied areas. Often they failed at all.