Protein-Polysaccharide Complexes of Normal and Herniated Human Intervertebral Discs.

Abstract

Summary A protein-polysaccharide complex containing a 1:1 ratio of chondroitin sulfate-C and keratosulfate has been found in both nucleus pulposus and annulus fibro-sus of human intervertebral discs. The limiting viscosity number of this complex decreases gradually with age in normal subjects. Complex prepared from herniated discs has a much lower limiting viscosity number than normal. An insoluble complex having considerable amounts of chondroitin sulfate-B has been found in normal aged discs and in all herniated discs.