Changes at the ecto-mesodermal interface during development of the duck preen gland

Summary An ultrastructural investigation of the organogenesis of the duck preen gland showed variations at the ecto-mesodermal interface in the course of development. During the period of invagination, ectoderm and mesoderm were separated by a continuous basal lamina. Morphogenesis of the tubules is characterized by a preferential deposition of non-oriented collagen fibres localized at the branching sites. Direct contacts between ectodermal extensions and mesodermal cells, through gaps in the basal lamina, appeared at the end-buds after the morphogenetic pattern was established and before the onset of the glandular secretory activity. The correlation between the modification of the ecto-mesodermal interface and the differentiation of uropygial ectoderm is discussed.