Differential turnover of axonally transported glycoproteins.

Metabolic turnover of axonally transported glycoproteins has been examined in membranous and soluble subfractions of goldfish optic tectum following intraocular injection of [3H]fucose. Radioactivity in total transported glycoproteins reached a maximum in the tectum after 24-30 hr, then declined with a half-life of approximately 20 days. Radioactivity in the total membranous subfraction declined with a similar half-life of 20-21 days while radioactivity in the soluble fraction showed a significantly shorter half-life of approximately seven days. Various sized glycopeptides derived from the membranous subfraction showed differential rates of loss of radioactivity with the lower molecular weight nondialyzable molecules displaying the most rapid turnover. In contrast, the glycopeptides derived from the soluble fraction showed relatively uniform rates of turnover. The results are discussed in the context of metabolic compartmentalization between membranous and soluble glycoproteins and among the carbohydrate chains of the membranous molecules.