MORPHOLOGIC RECOGNITION OF COMPLEX CARBOHYDRATES IN EMBRYONIC CARDIAC EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX

Using proper preparative procedures and carefully regulated staining methods it is possible in cardiac jelly and other embryonic matrices to assign chemical identification to specific matrix structural entities. Whenever applicable biological controls should be used to confirm identification. One example of how structural analyses have enhanced our understanding of cushion cell matrix interaction was the observation that HA directly stimulated the motility of cushion cells grown in three dimensional cultures. The idea for this experiment was based on in situ observations that motility appendages of colonizing cells were always in direct contact with HA filaments. It remains to be determined if the structural identification of embryonic matrical components can be applied to adult tissues.