SYNTHESIS OF HYALURONIC ACID IN VITREOUS .3. IN VIVO METABOLISM IN OWL MONKEY

The incorporation of [1-14C]glucosamine into the hyaluronic acid of the owl monkey vitreous was studied. The precursor administered intramuscularly appeared in the vitreous within 2 hr and was incorporated into non-dialyzable hyaluronic acid molecules within 24 hr. The incorporation took place exclusively in the hexosamine moiety of the hyaluronic acid. The labeled hyaluronic acid did not show significant turnover during the 72-day experimental period. The specific activity of the hyaluronic acid during the first few days was highest in those parts of the vitreous that are contiguous to the retina and the ciliary body, indicating that the vitreous cells are involved in the synthetic process. © 1968 Academic Press Inc. (London) Limited.