A PROFILE OF ELECTROLYTES IN THE CARTILAGINOUS PLATE OF GROWING RIBS *

Abstract
Cross-sectional slices of similar histologic composition were pooled and analysed for sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, phosphate, CO2, citrate, hydroxyproline, total nitrogen, hexosamine and total water. Results support the belief that most of the anionic radicals of the mucopolysaccharides in the cartilage samples were available for inorganic cation association. It is estimated that 7-26 mmoles of calcium per 100 g dry weight were associated with matrix polysaccharides. This reservoir of calcium may play a role in hydroxyapatite deposition at the region of provisional calcification.