Glycosaminoglycans in the cartilage of the porcine heart as studied by light microscopic histochemical methods.

Glycosaminoglycans involved in the cartilage of the porcine heart have been studied by means of light microscopic histochemical methods. The methods employed consisted of a series of staining procedures for the demonstration of acidic groupings of glycosaminoglycans. In addition, some of these procedures were employed in combination with chemical modification and enzyme digestion techniques. According to the results obtained, the cartilage of the porcine heart contained hyaluronic acid, chondroitin, chondroitin sulfate A and/or C and keratan sulfate. The effects of digestion with enzymes upon the histochemical reactions of the cartilage tissues indicated that hyaluronic acid exists as a glycoprotein link factor of proteoglycan subunits, forming proteoglycan aggregates in tissues.