Haptotaxis - Modes of Cell Movement

Haptotaxis considers to the directed movement of cells in response to a concentration gradient of an adhesive molecule that might be present in the extra cellular matrix. The adhesive material is not in solution. The cell would constantly form or break adhesions with such molecules and move from the region of low concentration of the molecule to locate of its higher concentration. Poole and Sternberg (1982) provided evidence that pronephric duct cells in salamander embryos move under the regulation of haptotaxis.

The pronephric duct rudiment separates from the dorsal mesoderm like a solid cord of cells and it is at first seen near the head of the embryo. Along with further development of embryo, this rudiment ultimately elongates towards the cloaca in which urine is excreted. Studies have shown that the enzyme alkaline phosphatase may be the adhesive molecule that regulates the migration of propheric duct rudiment.