Ontogeny and localization of gamma-crystallins in Rana temporaria, Ambystoma mexicanum and Pleurodeles waltlii normal lens development

Abstract

Rana pipiens lens γ-crystallin antibodies were used in the indirect immunofluorescence staining method to investigate the role of γ-crystallins in the normal lens development of the amphibians Rana temporaria, Ambystoma mexicanum and Pleurodeles waltlii Michah. In each case, the fluorescence was first localized in a number of cells in the inner wall of the lens, which was in the vesicle stage. With further differentiation, the intensity of immunofluorescence gradually increased and was restricted only to the fibre cells. These results support the concept that, though the γ-crystallins of different amphibian species studied so far show different numbers of protein components by thin layer isoelectric focusing on polyacrylamide gel, they all have similar immunological properties, and are specific for the lens fibre differentiation.