Fig. 2.

Pedicle/antler growth status in the first antler growth season. (A–C) Deletion and transplantation (D and T) of the anterior AP half. (A) Deer 1. A similar-sized pedicle and spike antlers were formed from both the treated and the control (intact) sides, although the treated-side antler was slightly deformed and had a clearly visible coronet (arrow). The AP graft formed a 3-cm-high bulge at the transplantation site. The bulge acquired shiny apical skin (inset 1) but did not transform into antler tissue (inset 2). (B) Deer 5. Normal pedicles and spike antlers were formed from both the treated and ectopic sites (inset) but the control side (total AP deletion) failed to give rise to pedicle or antler tissue (arrow). (C) Deer 9. Morphologically similar pedicles/antlers were formed from both the treated and the control (intact) sides, although the timing of antler initiation was significantly delayed (about 3 months; note the winter coat). Only a barely detectable bulge had formed at the ectopic site (arrow). (D–F) D and T of the posterior AP half. (D) Deer 2. A shorter pedicle and somewhat curved antler was formed from the treated side. The AP graft formed a 2.5-cm bulge with shiny apical skin (inset 1), and the bulge was transformed into antler tissue (inset 2) at the end of the growth season. (E) Deer 6. A longer but more laterally oriented pedicle/antler was formed from the treated side (arrow). The AP graft formed a 3-cm bulge, which was transformed into antler tissue within the season (inset). (F) Deer 10. No pedicle/antler tissue had developed. (G–I) D and T of the medial AP half. (G) Deer 3. A more laterally oriented pedicle/antler had formed on the treated side (arrow). The grafted AP formed a 2.5-cm bulge, which was then transformed into antler tissue (inset). (H) Deer 7. A nearly normal-looking pedicle/antler had formed on the treated side. The grafted AP formed a 2.5-cm bulge but the bulge did not transform into antler tissue (inset). (I) Deer 11. Morphologically similar pedicles and antlers were formed from both the treated and the control (intact) sides, although the timing of antler initiation was significantly delayed (about 3 months; note the winter coat). A barely detectable bulge was formed at the ectopic site (arrow). (J–L) D and T of the lateral AP half. (J) Deer 4. A normal pedicle but a shorter antler had formed on the treated side. The grafted AP formed a 1.5-cm bulge, but the bulge did not transform into antler tissue (inset, arrow). (K) Deer 8. A disoriented pedicle and antler had formed on the treated side, and the latter was also shorter than the one developed from the control (Medial AP⁻) side (arrow). The grafted AP formed a 2.0-cm bulge, but the bulge did not transform into antler tissue (inset). (L) No pedicle and antler had developed at any site.