Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
11:53
Primary Endodermal Epithelial Cell Culture from the Yolk Sac Membrane of Japanese Quail Embryos
Published on: March 10, 2016
LIPOID METABOLISM IN THE DEVELOPING CHICK AND ITS RELATION TO CALCIFICATION
1Department of Pathology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Embryonic chick liver transforms phosphorized fats into cholesterol esters and phosphoric acid for calcification. This process mirrors pathological calcification, suggesting a similar mechanism in atherosclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Biochemistry
- Pathology
Background:
- Embryonic chick liver initially contains isotropic fatty globules rich in phosphorized fats.
- During development, these globules change, becoming anisotropic and resembling cholesterol esters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the transformation of fatty globules in the embryonic chick liver.
- To determine the source of phosphoric acid used in embryonic calcification.
- To explore the potential link between chick liver development and pathological calcification.
Main Methods:
- Observation of fatty globule changes in embryonic chick liver during incubation.
- Chemical characterization of liver lipids.
- Comparative analysis with existing data on aortic atherosclerosis and calcification.
Main Results:
- Phosphorized fats in the chick liver are replaced by cholesterol esters by the third week.
- Phosphoric acid for calcification is derived from the breakdown of phosphorized fats.
- A model suggests glycerophosphoric acid is liberated for calcification, with free fatty acids esterified by cholesterol.
Conclusions:
- The embryonic chick liver provides a model for understanding lipid metabolism and calcification.
- Pathological calcification, such as in atherosclerosis, may involve similar in situ splitting of phosphorized fats.
- This process could lead to the formation of calcium salts, as proposed by Baldauf.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Bone Formation by Endochondral Ossification
Bone formation, or ossification, begins around the sixth to seventh week of embryonic development. Most bones develop from a cartilaginous template through the process of endochondral ossification. Cartilage formation begins when clusters of mesenchymal cells differentiate into chondrocytes. These chondrocytes proliferate rapidly and secrete an extracellular matrix that becomes encased in a membrane called the perichondrium. The resulting cartilage model provides a template that resembles the...
01:29Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation
Although not a source of energy, cholesterol plays a significant role as a foundational structure for bile salts, steroid hormones, and vitamin D, as well as being a crucial component of plasma membranes. Approximately 15% of blood cholesterol is derived from our diet, with the remainder synthesized from acetyl CoA by the liver and intestines. Cholesterol is eliminated from the body through its conversion into bile salts, which are eventually discarded in the feces.
Considering cholesterol and...
Considering cholesterol and...
01:27Growth of Cartilage and Bone Tissue
Chondrocytes form a temporary cartilaginous model by dividing and secreting a thick gel-like extracellular matrix. Once the chondrocytes undergo programmed cell death, osteoblasts enter the site of the cartilaginous model. The process of replacing the temporary cartilaginous model with bone in an ordered manner is called endochondral ossification. In endochondral ossification, not all of the cartilage is replaced by bone tissue. Some cartilage that performs a protective and supportive function...
01:28Overview of Fatty Acid Metabolism
Lipids also are sources of energy that power cellular processes. Like carbohydrates, lipids are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, but these atoms are arranged differently. Most lipids are nonpolar and hydrophobic. Major types include fats and oils, waxes, phospholipids, and steroids.
Fatty acids are catabolized in a process called beta-oxidation, which takes place in the matrix of the mitochondria and converts their fatty acid chains into two-carbon units of acetyl groups. The acetyl...
Fatty acids are catabolized in a process called beta-oxidation, which takes place in the matrix of the mitochondria and converts their fatty acid chains into two-carbon units of acetyl groups. The acetyl...
01:25Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile
Understanding serum lipids is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health and preventing heart disease and stroke.
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
01:17Hormones and Bone Tissue
The endocrine system produces and secretes hormones, which interact with the skeletal system. These hormones control bone growth, maintain bone once it is formed, and remodel it.
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...