Concanavalin A induces neural tissue and cartilage in amphibian early gastrula ectoderm

摘要: We have studied in vitro differentiation of explants the amphibian (Rana temporaria) early gastrula ectoderm after treatment with various concentrations (50-300 micrograms/ml) 'free' and Sepharose-bound concanavalin A (Con A). The were incubated Con for 3 h at 20 degrees C; rolling up was prevented by using special weights. demonstrated that: (1) free has an inducing action on concentration range 100-300 micrograms/ml medium; (2) when treated produce neural tissue (50-70%), cartilage (20-40%) and, rarely, lentoids (5-10%); (3) frequency inductions similar concentrations; (4) alpha-methyl-D-mannoside pyranoside inhibited effects; (5) had no effect explants, although it bound to cell surface inner layer. Possible mechanisms neutralizing chondrogenic effects ectodermal are discussed.