The effects of electrophoretically separated lens proteins on lens regeneration in Diemyctylus viridescens

In the present study, lenses were removed from the eyes of adult anesthetized newts, macerated in 0.03 M borate buffer at pH 8.6, and separated by starch gel electrophoresis. Upon staining with amido black 10‐B, seven distinct staining areas appeared in the blocks. Three bands moved toward the anode, and three toward the cathode. In addition, a seventh moiety represented by a smear of material moved toward the anode. One millimeter times five tenths millimeter plugs were removed from each of these areas and were placed into freshly lentectomized eyes. Plugs from most strongly positive and most weakly negative proteins inhibited lens regeneration. In addition, plugs from the area containing the weakly negative protein induced either lenses with aberrant polarity or double centered lenses with centers of opposed polarity. All other protein bands had no significant effect on regeneration. In addition to the above experiments, homogenates and proteinase‐digested homogenates of lenses were injected into eyes following lentectomy. Three 5‐μl samples were injected in each case over a six day period. Injection of the plain homogenate stimulated lens regeneration markedly, while the proteinase destroyed the stimulatory activity. Theoretical considerations of the above data are discussed.