Regional variations in cell proliferation and matrix formation in the cartilaginous nasal septum of the rat. [3H]-Thymidine and [35S]-sulfate incorporation studies.

The anterior, middle and posterior regions of the cartilaginous nasal septum were studied using [3H]-thymidine and [35S]-sulfate incorporation. Varying intensity in both cell proliferation and matrix formation were found at different developmental stages. Taking the whole experimental period under consideration (from 0-21 days) the greatest proliferative activities were found in the anterior and posterior regions respectively, whereas the greatest activities in matrix formation were found in the middle and posterior regions (cpm [3H]-thymidine/DNA and cpm [35S]-sulfate/DNA). An increase in proliferation was followed shortly after by an increase in matrix formation.