DNA synthesis in the embryonic chick lens epithelium is arrested after experimental lens rotation.

Using autoradiographic technique, we have studied DNA synthesis in normal embryonic chick lens epithelium and after experimental lens rotation. Analysis of the autoradiograms clearly demonstrates that when the lens primordium was rotated 180 degrees, so that lens epithelium was placed facing the interior of the optic cup, the lens epithelial cells completely stop DNA synthesis. This fact suggests that some retinal and vitreal factors are responsible for differentiation and replicative capacity of the lens epithelial cells.