The origin of the ectomesenchymal condensations which precede the development of the bony scleral ossicles in the eyes of embryonic chicks

The origin of neural crest-derived ectomesenchymal condensations located subjacent to scleral papillae and the development of the more deeply situated scleral ossicles were investigated in scleral tissues explanted from the eyes of chick embryos at Hamburger & Hamilton (1952) stages 30-38 ( days of incubation). Explants were pulse labelled with [3H]thymidine for 4h in vitro. Nuclear counts and % labelling indices were calculated for standardized areas within and between the condensations. At all stages exhibiting condensations, the % labelling indices were higher within the condensations than in tissues between condensations. % labelling declined with maturity, but the decline was greater between than within condensations. Regional differences in intensity of proliferation in the ectomesenchyme centred about the scleral papillae seemed to be the best explanation for the development of these condensations. The condensations disappeared concommitant with the complete degeneration of the adjacent papillae. A new distribution of labelled nuclei 70-100 μm deep in the tissue and beneath the original sites of the condensations preceded the appearance of ossicle primordia. The roles of the scleral papillae, the ectomesenchymal condensations and deeper primordia in the development of scleral ossicles are discussed.