CHONDROITIN SULFATE-DEGRADING ENZYMES IN HUMAN POLYMORPHONUCLEAR LEUKOCYTES - CHARACTERISTICS AND EVIDENCE FOR CONCERTED MECHANISM

Human polymorphonuclear leukocyte-derived enzymes, β-glucuronidase, β-N-acetylgalactosaminidase, and aryl sulfatase were studied for their ability to degrade chondroitin sulfate. Evidence is presented which implies a concerted, synergistic mechanism of action for these enzymes in glycosaminoglycan degradation excluding the possibility of endoglycosidase activity. Conclusions are based upon results derived from pH optimum, inhibitor studies, kinetics, and partial purification of these enzymes. The data presented here demonstrate that the polymorphonuclear leukocytes contain all of the enzymes necessary for the solubilization and complete degradation of the chondroitin-4-sulfate of cartilage matrix. © 1979.