Transient expression of collagen type XIV during muscle development and its reappearance after denervation and degeneration.

In the formation of muscle pattern, the architectural arrangement is believed to be controlled by the local connective tissue cells. In this study we examined the immunohistological localization of Type XIV collagen recognized by a monoclonal antibody, MAb DBM, in embryonic chick hind limbs from stage (St.) 27 to 2 weeks post hatching. DBM staining was transiently observed in the epimysium from St. 30, in the perimysium of the dorsal region from St. 37, and in the entire perimysium from St. 39. After hatching, DBM staining was notably diminished in both epimysium and perimysium. In contrast, DBM staining and in situ hybridization signals for Type XIV collagen mRNA increased in the muscle connective tissues after denervation and around the regenerating muscle fibers. Therefore, Type XIV collagen expression appears to coincide with muscle activity and muscle regenerating conditions, and Type XIV collagen is considered to play roles in muscle development and regeneration.