TGF-β1 Inhibits Growth and Branching Morphogenesis In Embryonic Mouse Submandibular and Sublingual Glands in Vitro: (Salivary glands/extracellular matrix/epithelium/mesenchyme/organ culture).

Members of the TGF-β superfamily of polypeptides are key regulators in developmental processes. Several studies have shown that expression of TGF-β mRNA and protein are developmentally regulated and that both are prominently expressed in tissues undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal interactions such as branching morphogenesis. It has been shown that TGF-β1 protein is present in E 14 mouse submandibular glands at a time when branching is already establihsed.

Growth and Morphogenesis of Embryonic Mouse Organs on Non-Coated and Extracellular Matrix-Coated Biopore Membrane: (organ-culture/growth/morphogenesis/extracellular matrix/Biopore).

Embryonic mouse salivary glands, pancreata, and kidneys were isolated from embryos of appropriate gestational age by microdissection, and were cultured on Biopore membrane either non-coated or coated with type I collagen or Matrigel. As expected, use of Biopore membrane allowed high quality photomicroscopy of the living organs. In all organs extensive mesenchymal spreading was observed in the presence of type I collagen or Matrigel.