The glycosaminoglycans of Dupuytren's disease.

The total and individual glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content at various stages of the Dupuytren disease process and in samples of normal palmar connective tissue (palmar dermis, palmar fascia and digital flexor tendon) from the hands of uninvolved age-matched controls have been assayed and compared. Morphological comparisons between the different tissues were made by histological examination of sections stained to demonstrate collagen fiber patterns and glycosaminoglycan distribution. Significant differences in the type and amount of GAG were found between the various manifestations of the disease process, i.e., nodules, cellular and fibrous bands, and between these and the normal palmar connective tissues. In the most actively proliferating cellular regions chondroitin sulfate levels were 11 times greater than those of the normal palmar connective tissues, whereas dermatan sulfate tissue levels showed a fourfold increase. On the other hand, tissue concentrations of hyaluronate were similar to those of normal palmar connective tissue. The relationship of these differences in GAG levels to the development and maturation of the normal palmar connective tissues and the Dupuytren's process is discussed.