Ontogeny and localization of the alpha -, beta -, and delta - crystallin antigens during lens development in mallard embryos

The ontogeny of alpha -, beta -, and delta -crystallin antigens in the developing lens of mallard (Anas platyrhynchos ) was investigated by indirect immunofluorescence using specific antibodies to mallard alpha -, beta -, and delta - crystallins raised in rabbits. The results show that alpha -, beta -, and delta -crystallins appear simultaneously in the developing mallard lens and are detectable from 66 hr. This situation is different from the chick and could be due to species variation.