Horny cell formation in the epidermis of Rana pipiens

Well preserved transitional cells were found between differentiated cells and horny cells of the frog epidermis, thus facilitating the study of the sequential events involved in horny cell formation. Autolysosomes appear to play an important role in the formation of horny cells. These structures preferentially digest those cytoplasmic components which are not necessary constituents of the terminal horny cell. The release of the contents of the small mucous granules into the intercellular spaces is one of the initial events in horny cell formation. Filaments and large mucous granules seem to be resistant to the lytic digestion and contribute to the bulk of the horny cell. Loss of fluids through the plasma membrane and consolidation of the remaining constituents, results in a flattened horny cell. The appearance of a thickened membrane around the horny cell signifies the completion of the transformation process.