Electron microscopic observations on the basal lamina of chick limb buds after trypsin and edta treatment

Abstract

Chick hind-limb buds were treated first with calcium- and magnesium-free balanced salt solution and then with either trypsin or EDTA. Treatment with these chemicals, and the subsequent separation of the ectodermal covering from the mesoderm, produces two different results as regards the basal lamina. In the case of trypsin, the lamina stays with the ectoderm but shows signs of probable tryptic digestion. After EDTA treatment the lamina stays with the mesoderm and becomes very loose and swollen. This loosening allows the structure of the otherwise compact lamina to be resolved so that banded collagen fibrils are seen participating in its substance. The above observations are discussed in relation to the mode of action of the two chemicals. The physiological role and the origin of the basal lamina, as well as the possible implications of the present findings to the question of limb development and morphogenesis, are also discussed. A note has also been made regarding the various terms used to describe the epitheliomesenchymal junction layers.