Hybrid desmosomes in aggregated chick and mouse cells.

Mouse embryo skin epidermis has been examined during maturation, and stages have been found when desmosomes are first scarce, then increasing in frequency and finally numerous. Cells of skin epithelium from these stages have been combined in reaggregates with cells of the 15-day chick corneal epithelium which also form desmosomes readily. When these two cell types are reaggregated in the presence of cytochalasin B which inhibits cell sorting, they form numerous junctions with each other. Desmosomes in mouse and chick appear similar morphologically except for certain cytoplasmic components. Mouse skin epidermis cells combined with cardiac muscle or intestinal epithelium formed imperfect or no specialized contacts. The possible role of junctions in cell sorting in reaggregates is discussed.