Effect of yolk-sac antibody on rat embryos grown in culture.

Rat embryos, explanted with their embryonic membranes during the early stages of organogenesis (H-l (H days gestation), were grown in culture in roller tubes. Yolk-sac antibody (sheep anti rat yolk-sac gamma globulin), known to be teratogenic when injected into pregnant rats, was added to the culture medium. At concentrations of 01 mg/ml or more the antibody caused gross retardation of growth and differentiation. Injection of antibody into the amniotic cavity so that it had direct contact with the embryo, or between the amnion and yolk sac so that it was in contact with the mesodermal surface of the yolk sac, had little or no effect on development of the embryo or its membranes. These in vitro experiments indicate that yolk-sac antibody has an effect on development independent of any immunological reaction of the mother, and the primary action is probably on the visceral yolk-sac endoderm.