IDENTIFICATION OF ACIDIC MUCOPOLYSACCHARIDES FROM HUMAN SKIN BY RADIOACTIVE INCORPORATION

Hyaluronic acids, chondroitin 4- and 6-sulphates, dermatan sulphate, heparin, and keratan sulphate have been identified in human skin by radioactive incorporation of general precursors and by the incorporation patterns related to turnover rates. l-Iduronic acid-6-14C, d-glucuronic acid-14C (U), and 2-(acetamido-l-14C)-2-deoxy-d-galactose were incorporated principally into dermatan sulphate, hyaluronic acid, and the chondroitin sulphates, respectively, whereas the generally low incorporation into keratan sulphate, which has the lowest turnover rate, could be improved by using d-galactose-6-14C. The distribution of the polysaccharides in the epidermis and dermis has been investigated, and evidence is presented for the occurrence of over-sulphated chondroitin sulphates in certain tissue. © 1969.