ABSTRACT

A new method is reported in this paper for easily-introducing macromolecules into the blastocoel of living starfish embryos. In brief, embryos are treated for 15 min at 0°C with Ca2+ -free sea water containing the macromolecules and washed with normal sea water. Enzymes affecting the component molecules of the extracellular matrix were chosen as the main source of macromolecules. The morphology of embryos affected with alkaline protease, collagenase, B-galactos idase and a mixture of glycosidases are described. Fluorescein labeled IgG was also introduced in order to directly prove the transepithelial penetration of the macromolecules. Possible functions of the target molecule of each enzyme are discussed.