Extracellular matrix and capillary ingrowth in interspecies chimeric kidneys

The migration of capillaries into mouse embryonic kidneys grafted on quail chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) was analyzed by two monoclonal antibodies against quail endothelial and haematopoietic cells. As shown by immunohistochemistry, the quail chorioallantoic vessels invaded the kidney explant. Initially, the capillaries were detected in the interstitial stroma and, soon thereafter, tightly adjacent to the branches of the ureteric bud. The induced mesenchymal cell condensates, the prospective nephric vesicles, were avascular, but when the early S-shaped body was formed, the capillaries invaded its lower crevice. Finally chimeric glomeruli consisting of mouse podocytes and quail endothelial cells, were formed and, contemporarily, the capillaries ceased to migrate. Within the endothelial-mesangial area of the chimeric glomeruli, all cells expressed the quail-type nuclear structure and were stained by the quail endothelial-specific antibodies. The pattern of migrating capillaries was compared to the distribution of the extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules by double staining with polyclonal antibodies against laminin or fibronectin, and monoclonal quail endothelial-specific antibodies. Initially, the capillaries migrated in a fibronectin-rich matrix, devoid of laminin, but when the epithelial kidney tubules formed, some capillaries attached to the newly formed epithelial basement membrane. At no stage were the capillaries seen to penetrate the epithelial basement membrane. The orderly branching of the ureteric bud, followed by the formation of nephrons and the shift in the ECM, might create pathways for an oriented capillary migration. The fibronectin-rich areas could be a scaffold for the capillary migration, and the attachment to the basement membranes a means for their cessation.     

Expression and adhesive properties of basement membrane proteins in cerebral capillary endothelial cell cultures

Previous studies have indicated the importance of basement membrane components both for cellular differentiation in general and for the barrier properties of cerebral microvascular endothelial cells in particular. Therefore, we have examined the expression of basement membrane proteins in primary capillary endothelial cell cultures from adult porcine brain. By indirect immunofluorescence, we could detect type IV collagen, fibronectin, and laminin both in vivo (basal lamina of cerebral capillaries) and in vitro (primary culture of cerebral capillary endothelial cells). In culture, these proteins were secreted at the subcellular matrix. Moreover, the interaction between basement membrane constituents and cerebral capillary endothelial cells was studied in adhesion assays. Type IV collagen, fibronectin, and laminin proved to be good adhesive substrata for these cells. Although the number of adherent cells did not differ significantly between the individual proteins, spreading on fibronectin was more pronounced than on type IV collagen or laminin. Our results suggest that type IV collagen, fibronectin, and laminin are not only major components of the cerebral microvascular basal lamina, but also assemble into a protein network, which resembles basement membrane, in cerebral capillary endothelial cell cultures.     

Cellular origin of fibronectin in interspecies hybrid kidneys

The cellular origin of fibronectin in the kidney was studied in three experimental models. Immunohistochemical techniques that use cross-reacting or species-specific antibodies against mouse or chicken fibronectin were employed. In the first model studied, initially avascular mouse kidneys cultured on avian chorioallantoic membranes differentiate into epithelial kidney tubules and become vascularized by chorioallantoic vessels. Subsequently, hybrid glomeruli composed of mouse podocytes and avian endothelial-mesangial cells form. In immunohistochemical studies, cross-reacting antibodies to fibronectin stained vascular walls, tubular basement membranes, interstitium, and glomeruli of mouse kidney grafts. The species-specific antibodies reacting only with mouse fibronectin stained interstitial areas and tubular basement membranes, but showed no reaction with hybrid glomeruli and avian vascular walls. In contrast, species-specific antibodies against chicken fibronectin stained both the interstitial areas and the vascular walls as well as the endothelial-mesangial areas of the hybrid glomeruli, but did not stain the mouse-derived epithelial structures of the kidneys. In the second model, embryonic kidneys cultured under avascular conditions in vitro develop glomerular tufts, which are devoid of endothelial cells. These explants showed fluorescence staining for fibronectin only in tubular basement membranes and in interstitium. The avascular, purely epithelial glomerular bodies remained unstained. Finally, in outgrowths of separated embryonic glomeruli, the cross-reacting fibronectin antibodies revealed two populations of cells: one devoid of fibronectin and another expressing fibronectin in strong fibrillar and granular patterns. These results favor the idea that the main endogenous cellular sources for fibronectin in the embryonic kidney are the interstitial and vascular cells. All experiments presented here suggest that fibronectin is not synthesized by glomerular epithelial cells in vivo.     

The production and localization of laminin in cultured vascular and corneal endothelial cells

The production and localization of laminin, as a function of cell density (sparse versus confluent cultures) and growth stage (actively growing versus resting cultures), has been compared on the cell surfaces of cultured vascular and corneal endothelial cells. Comparison of the abilities of the two types of cells to secrete laminin and fibronectin into their incubation medium reveals that vascular endothelial cells can secrete 20-fold as much laminin as can corneal endothelial cells. In contrast, both cell types produce comparable amounts of fibronectin. Furthermore, if one compares the secretion of laminin and fibronectin as a function of cell growth, it appears that the laminin released into the medium by either vascular or corneal endothelial cells, is a function of cell density and cell growth, since this release is most pronounced when the cells are sparse and actively growing, and decreases by 10- and 30-fold, respectively, when either vascular or corneal endothelial cell cultures become confluent. With regard to fibronectin secretion, no such variation can be seen with vascular endothelial cell cultures, regardless of whether they are sparse and actively growing or confluent and resting. Corneal endothelial cell cultures, demonstrated a twofold increase in fibronectin production when they were confluent and resting as compared to when they were sparse and actively growing. When the distribution of laminin versus fibronectin within the apical and basal cell surfaces of cultured corneal and vascular endothelial cells is compared, one can observe that unlike fibronectin, which in sparse and subconfluent cultures can be seen to be associated with both the apical cell surface. In confluent cultures, laminin can be found associated primarily with the extracellular matrix beneath the cell monolayer, where it codistributes with type IV collagen.     

Immunomorphological research on the formation of the extracellular matrix in epithelial cell cultures

Formation of extracellular matrix structures in cultures of rat liver epithelial nontransformed cell line IAR2 was studied with antisera to fibronectin, laminin and type IV collagen by immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy of platinum replicas. Fibronectin formed peripheral spots of variable size some of which outlined free cell edges, as well as fibrils located towards the center of single cells or of cellular islands. Similarly distributed structures were seen in isolated matrices. Codistribution of fibronectin and actin was observed only for the peripheral line of fibronectin spots and marginal circular actin bundle. Basement membrane components. laminin and type IV collagen, formed mainly spots of variable size predominantly beneath the cell or each cell in an island. Occasional fibrils were seen also. Essentially the same results were obtained by immunofluorescence and immunogold electron microscopy. Cytochalasin D treated cells displayed spots of both fibronectin and laminin. The relevance of previously postulated receptor-mediated assembly of extracellular matrix structures to the epithelial cells is discussed.     

Neurothelin: an inducible cell surface glycoprotein of blood-brain barrier-specific endothelial cells and distinct neurons

The blood-brain barrier is characterized by still poorly understood barrier and transport functions performed by specialized endothelial cells. Hybridoma technology has been used to identify a protein termed neurothelin that is specific for these endothelial cells. Neurothelin is defined by the species-specific mouse mAb 1W5 raised against lentil-lectin-binding proteins of neural tissue from embryonic chick. In the posthatch chick, neurothelin expression is found on endothelial cells within the brain but not on those of the systemic vascular system. Injection of the monoclonal antibody in vivo leads to labeling of brain capillaries, indicating that the corresponding antigen is expressed on the luminal surface of brain endothelial cells. Transplantation of embryonic mouse brain onto the chick chorioallantoic membrane results in rodent brain vascularization by the avian vascular system. Subsequently, normally mAb 1W5-negative endothelial cells, originating from blood vessels of the chick chorioallantoic membrane, are induced to express neurothelin when they are in contact with mouse neural tissue. In contrast to differentiated brain neurons that do not express neurothelin, neurons of the nonvascularized chick retina synthesize neurothelin. However, neurothelin is not found on retinal ganglion cell axons terminating on 1W5-negative brain cells. 1W5 immunoreactivity was also found in the pigment epithelium that forms the blood-eye barrier. Putting epithelial cells into culture results in concentration of neurothelin at cell-cell contact sites, leaving other cell surface areas devoid of antigen. Therefore, the distribution of neurothelin appears to be regulated by cell-cell interactions. In Western blot analysis, neurothelin was identified as a protein with a molecular mass of approximately 43 kD. The protein bears at least one intramolecular disulfide bridge and sulfated glucuronic acid as well as alpha-D-substituted mannose/glucose moieties. The exclusive neurothelin expression in the posthatch chick on endothelial cells of the central nervous system but not on systemic endothelial cells makes neurothelin a marker specific for blood-brain barrier-forming endothelial cells. The spatiotemporally regulated neurothelin expression in neurons suggests an interaction between vascularization and neuronal differentiation.     

Extracellular matrix of lymphoid tissues in the chick

We describe the immunohistochemical distribution of components of the extracellular matrix of the chick lymphoid system. In the thymus, basement membranes of epithelial cells bordering the lobules were intensely stained by laminin antibodies; fibronectin antibodies labeled the capsule and the septal matrix, and similar reactivity was seen with tropoelastin and gp 115 antibodies. No positivity was detected with any of the antibodies within the cortical parenchymal cells. Laminin was not detected in the medullary parenchyma, whereas fibronectin was present as coarse fibers. Tropoelastin and gp 115 appeared as a finer and more diffuse meshwork. In the bursa, laminin antibodies outlined the epithelial cells separating the cortex from the medulla. Fibronectin, tropoelastin, and gp 115 antibody stained the interfollicular septa and the cortical matrix, although to a different extent. Laminin was also detected in association with the interfollicular epithelium (IFE) basement membrane, whereas no staining was found underneath the follicle-associated epithelium (FAE). FAE cells not only lack a proper basement membrane but are also not separated from medullary lymphocytes by any of the other extracellular matrix components were investigated. Consequently, medullary lymphocytes are not sequestered, and can come easily into contact with antigens present in the intestinal lumen. All four antibodies stained the spleen capsule and spleen blood vessels, tropoelastin and gp 115 antibodies giving the strongest reactivity. A fine trabecular staining pattern was detected with gp 115 antibodies in the white pulp.     

Ontogenesis of the murine hepatic extracellular matrix: an immunohistochemical study

To define the role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in hepatogenesis, we examined the temporal and spatial deposition of fibronectin, laminin and collagen types I and IV in 12.5-21.5 day fetal and 1, 7 and 14 day postnatal rat livers. In early fetal liver, discontinuous deposits of the four ECM components studied were present in the perisinusoidal space, with laminin being the most prevalent. All basement membrane zones contained collagen type IV and laminin, including those of the capsule (mesothelial), portal vein radicles and bile ductules. Fibronectin had a distribution similar to that of collagen type IV early in gestation. However, at later gestational dates, fibronectin distribution in the portal triads approached that of collagen type I, being present in the interstitial connective tissues; whereas, collagen type IV and laminin were restricted to vascular and biliary basement membrane zones in those regions. The cytoplasm of some sinusoidal lining cells and hepatocytes reacted with antibodies to extracellular matrix components. By electron microscopy the immunoreactive material was localized in the endoplasmic reticulum, indicating the ability of these cells to synthesize these ECM proteins. Biliary ductular cells had prominent intracytoplasmic staining for laminin and collagen type IV from day 19.5 gestation until 7 days of postnatal life, but lacked demonstrable fibronectin or collagen type I. These results demonstrate that by 12.5 days of gestation the rat liver anlage has deposited a complex extracellular matrix in the perisinusoidal space. The prevalence of laminin in the developing hepatic lobules suggests a possible role for this glycoprotein in hepatic morphogenesis. In view of the intimate association of the hepatic lobular extracellular matrix with the developing vasculature, we hypothesize that laminin provides a scaffold of the developing liver, but once the ontogenesis is complete, intrahepatic perisinusoidal laminin expression is suppressed.     

Changes in integrin receptors on oncogenically transformed cells

Oncogenically transformed cells show reduced assembly of fibronectin-rich extracellular matrixes and diminished ability to adhere to fibronectin. The molecular bases of these phenotypic alteration are not fully understood. We report here alterations in the spectrum of integrins, including two fibronectin receptors, on oncogenic transformation of rodent cells. Transformation of rat1, NRK, and Nil8 cells by Rous sarcoma virus or by murine sarcoma viruses encoding ras oncogenes leads to reductions in the level of integrin alpha 5 beta 1, which is a well-defined fibronectin receptor, and of two other integrin receptors. In contrast, another receptor, alpha 3 beta 1, which is a polyspecific receptor for fibronectin, laminin, and collagen, is retained by transformed cells. These results provide explanations for earlier results concerning the interactions of extracellular matrix proteins with the surfaces of tumor cells and offer leads to further understanding of the altered adhesive and migratory behavior of malignant cells.     

Entactin forms a complex with fibronectin and co-localizes in the extracellular matrix of the embryonal carcinoma-derived 4CQ cell line

A novel extracellular matrix that consists of a complex of fibronectin and entactin was synthesized by the embryonal carcinoma-derived cell line 4CQ. The matrix was devoid of laminin. High steady state levels of the messenger RNAs for fibronectin, entactin, and the B2 chain of laminin were detected in these cells. Laminin B1 message was several fold lower while laminin A chain message was undetectable. In contrast, in the sister embryonal carcinoma-derived cell M1536-B3 there were high levels of message for all three chains of laminin and for entactin but very little for fibronectin. The data suggest that the synthesis and deposition of laminin and fibronectin are inversely related. The direct binding of entactin and fibronectin was also demonstrated by affinity column chromatography and solid phase assay.     

Deposition of extracellular matrix along the pathways of migrating fibroblasts

Summary Fibroblasts from rat, mouse and chick embryos cultured on poly-lysine/fibronectin- or poly-lysine/laminin-coated dishes were stained with antibodies directed to extracellular matrix molecules. The staining showed that cells had migrated during culture and deposited extracellular matrix components along their migration trails. Depending on the antigen, the staining of the matrix revealed fibrils, spots or a diffuse smear along the migration pathways. The major matrix components were fibronectin and heparan sulfate proteoglycan; however, laminin nidogen, tenascin, glia-derived nexin (GDN) and chondroitin-4-sulfate proteoglycan were also found. The migration trails were also detectable by scanning electron microscopy. Here, the fibrils were the prominent structures. The deposition of matrix was independent from the substratum: fibronectin was deposited on laminin, plain poly-lysine, basal lamina and even on fibronectin. Functional assays using anti-fibronectin or an antiserum to embryonic pigment epithelium basement membrane disturbed the formation of matrix fibrils, but did not inhibit cell attachment and translocation. Likewise, heparin in the culture medium only partially inhibited cell migration, despite the fact that it disturbed the formation of proper matrix fibrils. Our results suggest that the deposition of extracellular matrix by cells may not be mandatory for attachment and translocation. However, the deposition of matrix along defined trails might be important for the pathfinding of cells or nerve fibers that appear later in development.     

5'-Nucleotidase is involved in chick embryo myoblast spreading on laminin

Previous studies have shown that 5'-nucleotidase, an ectoenzyme from chicken gizzard, interacts specifically with laminin and fibronectin, two glycoproteins of the extracellular matrix. Recently, we demonstrated that 5'-nucleotidase was involved in the spreading of chick embryo fibroblast on laminin. In the present communication, we report that a monoclonal antibody (CG37) raised-directed against 5'-nucleotidase inhibited the spreading of chick embryo myoblasts on laminin after their initial attachment to the substrate. Furthermore, monoclonal antibody CG37 specifically eluted 5'-nucleotidase from immobilized laminin and thus enabled its isolation from other myoblast laminin-binding proteins.     

Overexpression of HTRA1 Leads to Down-Regulation of Fibronectin and Functional Changes in RF/6A Cells and HUVECs

Multiple genetic studies have suggested that high-temperature requirement serine protease (HTRA1) is associated with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). To date, no functional studies have investigated the biological effect of HTRA1 on vascular endothelial cells, essential vascular components involved in polypoidal vascular abnormalities and arteriosclerosis-like changes. In vitro studies were performed to investigate the effect of HTRA1 on the regulation of fibronectin, laminin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) and matrix metalloparoteinases 2 (MMP-2) and the role of HTRA1 in choroid-retina endothelial (RF/6A) and human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVEC) cells. Lentivirus-mediated overexpression of HTRA1 was used to explore effects of the protease on RF/6A and HUVEC cells in vitro. HTRA1 overexpression inhibited the proliferation, cell cycle, migration and tube formation of RF/6A and HUVEC cells, effects that might contribute to the early stage of PCV pathological lesions. Fibronectin mRNA and protein levels were significantly down-regulated following the upregulation of HTRA1, whereas the expressions of laminin, VEGF and MMP-2 were unaffected by alterations in HTRA1 expression. The decreased biological function of vascular endothelial cells and the degradation of extracellular matrix proteins, such as fibronectin, may be involved in a contributory role for HTRA1 in PCV pathogenesis.     

Distribution of laminin in the developing peripheral nervous system of the chick

During axonal elongation in the developing peripheral nervous system, the temporal and spatial distribution of adhesive molecules in extracellular matrices and on neighboring cell surfaces may provide "choices" of pathways for growth cone migration. The extracellular matrix glycoprotein laminin appears in early embryos and mediates neuronal adhesion and neurite extension in vitro. In this study, we have examined the distribution of laminin at early periods of peripheral nervous system development. The distribution of laminin, demonstrated by immunostaining frozen sections of chick embryos, was compared to the distribution of fibronectin and of early peripheral neurites as revealed with an antibody to a neurofilament-associated protein. Laminin is present in the neural tube basement membrane, in early ganglia, and in developing dorsal and ventral roots, where the laminin staining pattern parallels that of neurofilaments. In early ganglia and nerve roots, laminin immunostaining defines loose "meshworks" rather than basement membranes, which seem to form slightly later in these structures. In contrast, fibronectin is absent in neural tube basement membrane, ganglia, and nerve roots, although it is present along neural crest migratory pathways and in intersomitic spaces. Our observations of laminin distribution are consistent with the possibility that laminin provides an adhesive surface for neurite extension at some stages of early peripheral nervous system development.     

Thrombin stimulation of matrix fibronectin

Trypsin, thrombin, and peptide analogues of the new amino terminus of the proteolyzed thrombin receptor, SFLLRN and SFLLRNPNDKYEPF, stimulated embryonic fibroblasts cultured as 3-dimensional tissue-like aggregates to elaborate a fibronectin-rich extracellular matrix. Enzymatically inactive thrombin and the control peptide FLLRN failed to stimulate matrix production. The induction of cell proliferation correlated with production of the fibronectin matrix. The regions of active cell proliferation in the fibroblast aggregates co-localized with the matrix and peptide analogues of the RGD cell-adhesion site of fibronectin reversibly inhibited the accumulation of the fibronectin matrix and the stimulation of cell proliferation by SFLLRN. Two different preparations of the fibronectin matrix stimulated cell proliferation in aggregates cultured in growth factor-free medium. We suggest that the stimulation of matrix production is a necessary event for mitogenic signaling in mesenchymal tissue. The tight coupling between the matrigenic and mitogenic activities of growth factors was absent in monolayer cultures of chick embryonic fibroblasts since thrombin and trypsin induced proliferation of monolayer-cultured cells without inducing the production of a fibronectin matrix. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Differentiation-dependent expression of proteins in brain endothelium during development of the blood-brain barrier

The blood-brain barrier is a specific property of differentiated brain endothelium. To study the differentiation of blood vessels in the brain, we have correlated the expression of a number of proteins in brain endothelial cells with the development of the blood-brain barrier in mouse, quail, and chick embryos. Using histochemical methods, alkaline phosphatase activity was found to be present in all species and appeared around embryonic Days 17 (mouse), 14 (quail), and 12 (chick). Butyrylcholinesterase activity was found in the mouse and quail but not the chick brain vasculature, and appeared around Days 17 (mouse) and 15 (quail). gamma-Glutamyltranspeptidase activity was demonstrated histochemically in mouse but not in chick and quail brain capillaries, beginning at Day 15. Transferrin receptor was localized on brain endothelium in all species by immunofluorescence methods using monoclonal antibodies. It appeared at Days 15 and 11 in mouse and chick embryonic brain, respectively. The staining of all markers in embryonic brain was compared with adult brain endothelium and the leptomeningeal blood vessels. The expression of these proteins was correlated with the development of the blood-brain barrier by studying the permeability of brain endothelium for the protein horseradish peroxidase during mouse embryogenesis. Vessels in the telencephalon were found to become impermeable around Day 16 of development. Taken together the results of previous investigations and those presented here, we conclude that a number of proteins are sequentially expressed in brain endothelial cells correlating in time with the formation of the blood-brain barrier in different species.     

Extracellular matrix components of the placental extravillous trophoblast: immunocytochemistry and ultrastructural distribution

 Invasive extravillous trophoblast cells of the human placenta are embedded in a self-secreted extracellular matrix, the matrix-type fibrinoid. The ultrastructure and molecular composition of the matrix-type fibrinoid of the term human placenta were studied by transmission electron microscopy and immunogold labelling. We used antibodies directed against different matrix proteins such as collagen type IV, laminin, vitronectin, heparan sulfate, various fibronectin isoforms, and against the oncofetal blood group antigen, ”i”. Immunogold labelling patterns of matrix proteins are the basis for the subdivision of the trophoblast-derived matrix-type fibrinoid into mosaic-like patches of structurally and immunocytochemically different compartments. Firstly, fine granular patches with structural similarities to basal lamina material are composed solely of collagen type IV and laminin. Secondly, an ultrastructurally amorphous glossy substance shows reactivity with antibodies against heparan sulfate and vitronectin. A third type of patches, fine fibrillar networks embedded in the above-mentioned glossy matrix, are reactive with antibodies against normal fibronectin isoforms (IST-4, IST-6, IST-9) and oncofetal isoforms (BC-1, FDC-6). The blood group precursor antigen ”i” was not only expressed on the surfaces of the extravillous trophoblast cells but was associated with the fibronectin-positive fibrils. In conclusion, within this extracellular matrix, clear compartments of different composition can be distinguished from each other. Glycosylation with ”i” in this matrix may be involved in immunological masking, thus preventing rejection of placenta and fetus. Accepted: 6 May 1996     

In vitro and in vivo characterization of blastemal cells from regenerating newt limbs.

To better characterize the cells involved in newt limb regeneration, blastemal cells from accumulation and differentiation phase blastemas were grown in dissociated cell culture, and their morphology and antigenic phenotype determined using a variety of antibodies directed against intermediate filaments, cell adhesion molecules, and extracellular matrix molecules. In addition to previously described blastemal cell morphologies, many of the cells in these cultures had a round cell body, with an eccentrically placed nucleus and a cytoplasm filled with autofluorescent granules. The majority of accumulation phase blastemal cells labeled with antibodies against GFAP, vimentin, 22/18 as well as with antibodies against NCAM, L-1, laminin, and fibronectin. The majority of differentiation phase blastemal cells had a similar phenotype but lacked expression of vimentin and fibronectin. Comparison of the blastemal phenotype in vitro and in vivo showed similar expression characteristics. However, in differentiation phase blastemas, laminin immunoreactivity was concentrated in specific locations. In addition, the proliferation of cultured blastemal cells is stimulated by the addition of a crude brain extract, consistent with previous studies in vivo and in vitro. Taken together, these observations suggest that dissociated cultures of newt limb blastemal cells provide a suitable model for the analysis of the cell and molecular mechanisms involved in limb regeneration.     

Effect of hydrocortisone on skin development in the chick embryo: ultrastructural, immunohistological, and biochemical analysis

The effect of hydrocortisone on the development of dorsal skin was analyzed in the chick embryo by (1) transmission electron microscopy, (2) indirect immunofluorescence histology of extracellular matrix components (collagen types I, III, and IV; fibronectin; and laminin), and (3) quantitative determination of collagen content and proline incorporation, between administration of the drug at 6 or 6.5 days and final retrieval of skin pieces at 11 days of incubation. Treatment caused the formation of featherless skin areas which exhibited an early maturation of the epidermis, a uniform distribution of interstitial collagen and rarefaction of fibronectin in the dermal extracellular matrix, and a significant increase of collagen content and proline incorporation in collagen noncollagen proteins, characterized by an increased hydroxyproline-to-proline ratio. The distribution of type IV collagen and of laminin was unchanged. The absence of feather formation in hydrocortisone-induced apteria is interpreted as resulting primarily from an early extinction of epidermal morphogenetic competence, and secondarily from modifications in the amount and distribution of extracellular matrix components in the dermis.     

Formation of basement membranes in the embryonic kidney: an immunohistological study

Specific antibodies to laminin, type IV collagen, basement-membrane proteoglycan, and fibronectin have been used in immunofluorescence microscopy to study the development of basement membranes of the embryonic kidney. Kidney tubules are known to form from the nephrogenic mesenchyme as a result of an inductive tissue interaction. This involves a change in the composition of the extracellular matrix. The undifferentiated mesenchyme expresses in the composition of the extracellular matrix. The undifferentiated mesenchyme expresses fibronectin but no detectable laminin, type IV collagen, or basement-membrane proteoglycan. During the inductive interaction, basement-membrane specific components (laminin, type IV collagen, basement membrane proteoglycan) become detectable in the induced area, whereas fibronectin is lost. While the differentiation to epithelial cells of the kidney requires an inductive interaction, the development of the vasculature seems to involve an ingrowth of cells which throughout development deposits basement-membrane specific components, as well as fibronectin. These cells form the endothelium and possibly also the mesangium of the glomerulus, and contribute to the formation of the glomerular basement membrane. An analysis of differentiation of the kidney mesenchyme in vitro in the absence of circulation supports these conclusions. Because a continuity with vasculature is required for glomerular endothelial cell differentiation, it is possible that these cells are derived from outside vasculature.