A SERIAL AUTORADIOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF H3-GLYCINE UTILIZATION AND DISTRIBUTION IN THE FEMORA OF GROWING MICE

Abstract

The localization, distribution and cellular turnover of tritium labeled-glycine were followed and quantitatively assessed autoradiographically in the femora of young mice. Initially the labeled amnino acid was taken up by the cellular phase of the skeletal system, and was observed within cells 15 minutes after isotope administration. Thirty minutes after H³-glycine injection represented the peak of cellular uptake (assessed by autoradiographic grain density over cells). Shortly after cells incorporated H³-gycine, silver grains appeared over newly deposited bone and cartilage matrices. At the surfaces of bone, silver grains were arranged in bands which were followed up to 14 days after H³-glycine administration. These growth bands were found over deeper layers of bone with increasing time. The movement of these bands was illustrated and discussed. Labeling of cartilage matrix was diffuse.