The distribution of the glycosaminoglycans in the anatomic components of the lung and the changes in concentration of these macromolecules during development and aging.
The glycosaminoglycans of the normal human and bovine lungs and of the major structural components of these organs (pleura, 'alveoli', peripheral and central bronchi, arteries and veins) were investigated. To carry out this study, a micromethod for the separation and quantitative determination of these macromolecules, namely two-dimensional electrophoresis on cellulose acetate plates, was employed. This procedure made it possible to measure the content of each glycosaminoglycan present in the mentioned anatomic components. In the human lung the distribution of the glycosaminoglycans varies considerably from one component to another: dermatan sulfate was the predominant mucopolysaccharide of the pleura, chondroitin 6-sulfate that of the central bronchi, and heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate those of the alveoli. Heparin and keratan sulfate were not detected in any of the structural components. Significant changes in the mucopolysaccharide levels were found during maturation and aging. Further age-related changes were noted between 22 and 39 years. In the bovine lung significant changes in the glycosaminoglycan levels were also observed during growth and aging. Heparin appeared in the lung at an age between 1 and 16 months. Similarities and differences in the total contents and compositions of the glycosaminoglycans between the human and bovine lung were noted.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002648:Child; D004586:Electrophoresis / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006025:Glycosaminoglycans / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008168:Lung / Q000032:analysis*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D006025:Glycosaminoglycans