[Biochemical analysis of proteoglycan in bovine trabecular meshwork and its significance].

OBJECTIVE

To determine the kinds of proteoglycan (PG) monochain and their distribution in the cell layer and cultural medium of bovine trabecular meshwork (BTM) culture.

METHODS

(3)H-glycosamine was incorporated in BTM cells in the third passage. PGs were extracted by 4 mol/L guanidine hydrochloride. The aliquots were chromatographed on Sephadex G-50 DEAE-Sephacel, Sepharose 4B and Sepharose CL-6B gel respectively. Glycosaminoglycan was obtained by basic hydrolysis and enzyme degradation, and scintillation counting was used for the assay of radioactivity.

RESULTS

Four different PGs were analyzed. The composition of PGs in cell layer was hyaluronic acid PG 30.2%, heparin sulfate PG 20.9%, chondroitin sulfate PG 21.6%, dermatan sulfate PG 18.1% and others 9.2%, while in the medium was 24.2%, 20.1%, 25.7%, 23% and 7%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

PGs are confirmed to be present in the extracellular matrix of BTM cells in vitro. BTM cells also have the ability to secrete these macromolecules into the medium. Abnormal synthesis, secretion, accumulation and changes of PG pattern in physiologic conditions and under any drugs may contribute to the pathogenesis and treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma.