Tissue distribution of S-carboxymethylcysteine in the rat: Concentration in mucus-producing organs including the prostate

Abstract

chromatographic behaviour of the glycopeptide components produced by the two cell types is similar on Ultrogel AcA-202 (shape of peak U2). Comparison of the incorporated radioactivities and the elution properties of the peaks from the conconavalin ASepharose and from the DEAE-trisacryl columns suggests that the differences between the glycopeptides obtained from the treated and the non-treated cells are quantitative but nonqualitative. More detailed analytical investigations are, however, necessary to evaluate eventual structural changes in the sugar moieties of the separated glycopeptides. Eye-derived growth factor seems to stimulate hyaluronic acid formation, as do the platelet and lymphocyte growth factors (Castor et al., 1977). In contrast with malignant transformation, eye-derived growth factor does not induce an increase in the highmolecular-weight glycopeptide population (Glick et al., 1973) and in chondroitin sulphate formation (Sampaio et al., 1977: Moczar et al., 198 1). The decrease of the cellular adhesivness consequent on treatment with the growth factor (Y. Courtois & J. Tassin, unpublished work) can be correlated to the diminished production of the sugar chains of the glycoproteins (fibronectin and cell-surface lectins) (Hughes, 1979) and to the increased heparan sulphate/hyaluronic acid ratio in the treated cells (Rollins & Culp, 1979).