Studies on diffusing factors

Abstract

There was no correlation between the [beta]-glucosaminidase content and the ability to hydrolyze hyaluronic acid. [beta]-glucosaminidase prepd. from snail intestines did not hydrolyze hyaluronic acid or show diffusion following intracut. injn. in rabbits. Two prepns. of testis hyaluronidase acted upon chondroitin sulfuric acid to release reducing groups at a rate equal to that of hyaluronic acid under similar conditions. In the case of chondroitin sulfuric acid, estimation of liberated substance giving the reaction of N-acetylglucosamine (or chondrosamine) did not show the apparent excess found in the case of hyaluronic acid. Native cartilage was hydrolyzed at a rate about half that o chondroitin sulfuric acid.