VARIABLE MANIFESTATIONS IN THE SHORT TOES (S) MUTATION OF THE AXOLOTL

We describe a detailed histological analysis of the affected organs in the Short toes (s) mutation of the Mexican axolotl, Ambystoma mexican um. The s mutant animals displayed a variation in the response to the mutation such as the time of death and the degree of abnormalities of the affected organs (limbs, kidneys, ducts, and reproductive structure s). In addition to the numerous histological abnormalities characteriz ed here, we also examined the presence of laminin-related molecules in s mutant kidney tissues to elucidate further the nature of the renal aplasia these animals encounter as a result of this recessive lethal m utation. Our data suggest that there may be a disruption in tissue int eractions necessary for proper development and functioning of the affe cted tissues. (C) 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.