Lipid droplets of neuroepithelial cells are a major calcium storage site during neural tube formation in chick and mouse embryos

In situ precipitation of calcium (Ca²⁺) with fluoride and antimonate shows that Ca²⁺-specific precipitate is localized almost exclusively within lipid droplets of neuroepithelial cells during neural tube formation in chick and mouse embryos. The density of Ca²⁺ precipitate within lipid droplets is generally greater in the apical ends of cells situated in regions of the neuroepithelium that are actively engaged in bending. These findings suggest that lipid droplets, in addition to providing a source of metabolic fuel for developing neuroepithelial cells, also serve as Ca²⁺-storage and-releasing sites during neurulation.This study was supported by grants from the NIH (NS23200), the BRSG fund of UMDNJ, and the Busch Fund of Rutgers University. Dr Bush was supported by a New Jersey State Postdoctoral Fellowship.