Variation of corneal glycosaminoglycan values of hares in relation to environmental pollution by industrial emissions.
In localities contaminated by industrial emissions a significant decrease in keratan sulfate and chondroitin 4-sulfate occurs in the cornea of the hare. The changes also occur in hares living near small emission sources with a local emission zone; therefore they should not be neglected, especially if the area is used for recreation, as in the case reported here. The decrease in glycosaminoglycan values is more pronounced in adults than in juveniles, because of the length of exposure. Relatively large amounts of keratan sulfate in the glycosaminoglycan fraction correspond to changes expected in a prematurely senescent tissue. Because of the painstaking laboratory work required, assessment of glycosaminoglycans could be used for special bioindication purposes but would not be suitable for routine monitoring.
D000818:Animals; D002809:Chondroitin Sulfates / Q000378:metabolism; D003315:Cornea / Q000378:metabolism*; D003604:Czechoslovakia; D004787:Environmental Pollution; D006025:Glycosaminoglycans / Q000378:metabolism*; D007221:Industry; D007633:Keratins / Q000378:metabolism; D011817:Rabbits
D006025:Glycosaminoglycans; D007633:Keratins; D002809:Chondroitin Sulfates