Distribution of type IV collagen, laminin, and fibronectin during maxillary process formation in the chick embryo

The presence and distribution of laminin, type IV collagen, and fibronectin were analyzed in the facial primordia and developing primary palates of chick embryos from stages of development corresponding to maxillary process formation and primary palate closure. Frozen sections through the maxillary process and roof of the stomodeum were prepared for indirect immunofluorescence employing a biotin-avidin system using monoclonal antibodies against laminin, type IV collagen, and fibronectin. Light microscopic examination of sections stained with antibodies against type IV collagen revealed a much stronger fluorescent signal in the roof of the stomodeum than in the maxillary process at all stages examined. Regional differences in signal intensity and staining patterns were noted within the maxillary process; for example, the lateral surface of the maxillary process displayed a much less intense signal at most stages examined than the inferior and medial surfaces. The signal from sections of the maxillary process stained with laminin was much stronger than the signal from the same tissues stained with collagen. Regional differences in signal intensity within the maxillary process were minimal in sections stained with antibodies to laminin, in contrast to the differences seen in sections stained with antibodies to type IV collagen. Differences in signal intensity between the maxillary process and the roof of the stomodeum with laminin were slight. Sections stained with antibody to fibronectin displayed intense staining throughout the mesenchyme in both the maxillary process and the roof of the stomodeum. From comparison of the data of type IV collagen and laminin, the following hypothesis is proposed. In structures which undergo rapid change in form, such as the facial primordia, collagen distribution and/or organization is altered to a much greater extent than laminin, which is more uniformly distributed and which may be required for structural support of other developmentally regulated macromolecules. Where tissue morphology must be maintained, such as the roof of the stomodeum, the concentration and organization of type IV collagen is maintained in a manner that confers stability to these regions.