Abstract

Proteoglycan fractions were prepared from pig laryngeal cartilage. The effect of link-protein on the properties of proteoglycan-hyaluronate aggregates was examined by viscometry and analytical ultracentrifugation. Aggregates containing link-protein were more stable than link-free aggregates at neutral pH, at temperatures up to 50 degrees C and in urea (up to 4.0M). Oligosaccharides of hyaluronate were able to displace proteoglycans from link-free aggregates, but not from the link-stabilized aggregates. Both types of aggregate were observed in the ultracentrifuge, but at the concentration investigated (less than 2 mg/ml) the link-free form was partially dissociated and the proportion aggregated varied with the pH and temperature and required more hyaluronate for saturation than did link-stabilized aggregate. The results showed that link-protein greatly strengthened the binding of proteoglycans to hyaluronate and suggest that under physiological conditions it 'locks' proteoglycans on to the hyaluronate chain.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.