Lens differentiation from the cornea following lens extirpation or cornea transplantation in <i>Xenopus laevis</i>

Abstract

Abstract Larvae of Xenopus laevis at stage 46 or 50 were lentectomized and then fixed at various time intervals after the operation. Serial sections through the eye region were stained with hematoxylin and eosin or by the Himes‐Moriber technique to follow the histological changes taking place and to demonstrate any alterations in the basement membrane of the outer cornea. Lenses were observed to regenerate from the outer cornea while the basement membrane contributed to the capsule of the developing lens. A small lens with primary and secondary fibers was usually present by ten days after lentectomy. Corneas of Xenopus laevis larvae were implanted into lentectomized eyes, dorsal fins, amputated hindlimbs or subcutaneously in the head region. Lenses formed from the implants in the lentectomized eyes and in the amputated hind‐limbs, but no lenses developed in the dorsal fins or from the subcutaneous implants. It is hypothesized that some conditions in the environment of the lentectomized eye and the amputated hindlimb may be similar.