ABSTRACT
A FC of ECM of starfish embryo was studied in three aspects using a specific monoclonal antibody (4H11 Mab).
In normal embryos, the FC starts to accumulate in the blastocoelic cavity (BC) at the blastula stage, and seems to be involved in supporting the embryonic shape.
When 4H1 1 Mab was introduced into the BC of blastulae, they showed morphogenetic abnormalities involving (1) a dome-like distribution of mesenchyme ceils around the archenteron tip, (2) swelling of posterior ectoderm and (3) developmental retardation of the digestive tract.
Antibodies against collagen molecules of various sources showed no fibrillar pattern as shown by 4H11 Mab.
