The growth, synthesis and regional specialization of the lens capsule has been studied in chicken embryos and compared to adult chickens and mammals. During the final 15 days of embryonic development the surface area of the capsule increased 11-fold. This represents the minimum estimate of capsule growth, since it also increased in thickness during this period. Autoradiographic examination of [3H]proline- or 35SO4-labeled, detergent-cleaned, flat-mounted capsules suggested that all lens cells participated in capsule synthesis. This was supported by the observation that both lens epithelial and fiber cells incorporated [35S]-methionine into collagenase-sensitive proteins with molecular weights similar to type IV collagen. Histochemical staining of detergent-cleaned capsule explants (DCCEs) revealed regional differences in the carbohydrate composition of the capsule. Differences in collagenous proteins were also seen between the anterior and posterior regions of the capsule of the embryonic lenses. Following SDS-PAGE and silver staining a total of six collagenase-sensitive proteins were seen with molecular weights between 150 and 180 K. Three of these polypeptides were common to both anterior and posterior capsules, one was found only in the anterior capsule and the other two were found predominantly in the posterior capsule. No regional differences were seen in the collagenous proteins of capsules from adult chickens, rats or hamsters. The possibility is discussed that the unique pattern of collagenous polypeptides seen in embryonic capsules is related to the rapid growth of the embryonic lens.

• R07002/PHS HHS/United States