Development of the squamosomandibular articulation in the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus). II. Succinate dehydrogenase activity.

Succinate dehydrogenase activity has been studied, according to the method of Nachlas et al. (1957), in the developing tissues forming the squamosomandibular articulation in the Mongolian gerbil from its inception through the sixty postnatal day. Increased activity was observed in the chondroblasts, osteoblasts and mesenchymal tissues of the developing articulation. The chondroclasts of the developing mandibular condyle displayed intense reaction as did the osteoclasts of the developing bony articulation. Succinate dehydrogenase activity appeared to be related to the functional maturity of the cellular elements of the developing joint.