Cell lineage analysis by intracellular injection of a tracer enzyme

Abstract

Cell lineages during development of leeches can be ascertained by injection of horseradish peroxidase as a tracer into identified cells at early stages of embryogenesis. The injected embryos continue their normal development, in the course of which horseradish peroxidase is passed on in catalytically active form to the descendants of the injected cell. The distribution of the tracer enzyme and hence of the progeny of the injected cell can then be observed at a later stage of development by staining the preparation for horseradish peroxidase.