Immunohistological demonstration of adult lens antigens in the embryonic chick lens (II)

Abstract

γ-Globulins against total-chick-lens-homogenate were conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate and chromatographically fractioned on DEAE cellulose. The specific fractions obtained, were applied to histological sections of acetone-fixed and -dehydrated embryos. The earliest stage at which lens antigens could be demonstrated in the retinal wall of the lens vesicle, was just before fibre formation at an age of 66–68 hr (about 32 somites). The γ-globulins used carried a high content of antibodies against the so-called First Important Soluble Component (FISC). This suggests that FISC is the first antigen to appear. It is assumed that the antigens are not present during lens induction and do not take part in this process. They apparently do so in the differentiation of the lens under the influence of the retina.