Overgrowth Malformation and Neoplasia in Embryonic Brain

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Abstract
Various causative factors in the formation of abnormal brain folding during development are discussed. Such foldings were described under the name "overgrowth" as a spontaneous malformation in humans. Folding may be associated with exencephalia and is in some cases in all probability secondary to an abnormal communication between the neurocoel and the amnion cavity. A true overgrowth, e.g., folding due to increased production of cells, may, however, develop after removal of the first rhombomere in somite stages of chick embryos. The possible mechanism is discussed. It is stressed that within parts of such overgrowth, cellular populations may develop, showing atypical cell characteristics and finally developing into tumorous structures with invading properties. The possible correspondence between such tumors and human brain tumors of medulloblastoma type is discussed.