Summary
The development of high resolution autoradiography and the availability of labelled DNA precursors has made possible the detailed analysis of cell proliferation. Such studies are valuable in the investigation both of normal growth and also of the effects of radiation and carcinogens.
Wimber (1963) lists three main types of proliferating cell populations: (1) enlarging population; (2) steady state renewal systems; (3) diminishing populations. Most analytical studies refer to the second group, for example, gut epithelium and skin, and those of the first category, which includes embryonic tissues, have received little attention. In the neural retina of the rat cell proliferation continues for about 2 weeks after birth and, for this reason, this was thought to be a suitable system in which to study cell proliferation during development. The retina of the 2-day-old rat has the complex cellular constitution of a tissue nearing the end of its proliferative phase.
Footnotes
- Received January 31, 1967.