THE MECHANISM OF SYMPHYSEAL RELAXATION. THE DISTRIBUTION OF REDUCING GROUPS, HEXOSEAMINE, AND PROTEINS IN SYMPHYSES OF NORMAL AND RELAXED GUINEA PIGS1

Abstract

Comparative chemical and enzymatic analyses of the connective tissue of control and re-laxed guinea pig symphyses indicate that relaxin induces changes in the connective tissue proteins which are reflected in increased sensitivity of the latter to the actions of trypsin and alkali. Significant changes in carbohydrate- or hexoseamine-containing components (glycoproteins) are observed only following repeated admn. of relaxin. Studies of the hyaluronidase and phosphatase contents of these tissues suggest that these enzymes play no significant role in the phenomenon of relaxation. The relation of these facts to current theories regarding the role of relaxin is discussed.