Induction de cartilage in vitro par l'extrait de tube nerveux et de chorde de l'embryon de Poulet

Abstract

It has been demonstrated that in the chick embryo the differentiation of vertebral cartilage from somitic mesenchyme is induced by the neural tube and the notochord. In this paper, we present the results of our research on the mechanism of the morphogenetic action of these inducers on the somitic mesenchyme. 1. 1. In experiments in which the inducers are replaced by living organs (fragments of brain, of intestine, of Müllerian duct … ) or by inert material (nylon, catgut), cartilage formation has not been obtained. 2. 2. Morphogenetic action of the inducers is destroyed by heat and by alcohol. 3. 3. Somitic mesenchyme cultured on a medium composed of agar agar, embryo extract, Tyrode solution with penicillin, and horse serum, results in the differentiation of cartilage only if it is taken from embryos of 27 somites or more. 4. 4. The addition of neural tube and notochord extract to the culture medium not only results in better differentiation of cartilage in the explants capable of autodifferentiation, but also provokes the formation of cartilage in explants in which self-differentiation would not occur.