Studies on the mechanism of implant-induced supernumerary limb formation in Urodeles. II. The effect of heart-treatment, lyophilization and homogenization on the inductive capacity of frog kidney.

Abstract

AbstractIn experiments designed to test the effect of physical manipulations upon the ability of frog kidney implants to induce supernumerary limbs in Triturus viridescens, kidney tissue from adult Rana pipiens was treated by boiling, lyophilization and homogenization. Normal kidney induces supernumerary growth in over 90% of cases. Boiling at 100°C for ten minutes destroyed the ability of the kidney implant to stimulate supernumerary growth. Lyophilization did not affect the inductive capacity of the implant. Normal percentages of accessory growth were observed after multiple injections of frog kidney homogenates. It was concluded that some chemical agent(s) present in frog kidney is responsible for the inductive effect.