title: Biochemical identification of the mucus of pseudomyxoma peritonei as the basis for mucolytic treatment.
abstract: Two cases of pseudomyxoma peritonei are presented. The gelatinous mucus was biochemically analyzed. The mucus contained approximately 98% protein and 2% to 5% carbohydrate per unit of dry weight. The predominant carbohydrate components were galactose and mannosamine. The mucus also had thromboplastic activity. Because of these findings, dextran sulfate, at concentrations between 2% and 10%, was instilled into the abdominal cavity and caused lysis of the mucus.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D016264:Dextran Sulfate; D003911:Dextrans / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009093:Mucus / Q000032:analysis*; D011553:Pseudomyxoma Peritonei / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D003911:Dextrans; D016264:Dextran Sulfate