Studies on the ability of embryonic mesonephros explants to form cartilage

Abstract

Explants of chick embryonic mesonephros consistently form cartilage in culture. The chondrogenic region of the mesonephros is restricted to the area of the limb primordia. The mesonephros from this region not only enhanced cartilage formation in explanted limb buds, but apparently contributed cells to the limb cartilage. The experiments suggest that cells associated with the mesonephros may be eventual participants in limb or girdle development, and not really a part of the mesonephros.