Characteristics of proteoglycans of buffalo ovarian follicular fluid during maturation of follicles.

The proteoglycans (PGs) and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) of buffalo ovarian follicular fluid (FF) have been studied in small (2-4.9 mm), medium (5-9.9 mm) and large (> or = 10 mm) follicles. GAGs in different categories of follicles were isolated, assayed and analysed. On the basis of hexosamine analysis, glucosamine accounted for all the free GAGs in FF of small and medium follicles. No free GAG was found in large follicles. The concentration of GAGs in the form of PGs decreased significantly with follicular maturation. Qualitative analysis of GAGs from PGs showed higher galactosamine than glucosamine. The ratios of GalNH2:GluNH2 and neutral sugars were highest in small follicles followed by medium and large follicles. On the other hand, the percentage of sialic acid in GAGs was highest in large follicles followed by medium and small follicles. The fractionation of PGs by gel filtration indicated the presence of two types of PGs in buffalo ovarian FF. Difference in distribution of two types of PGs in small and large follicles was also noted.