1 . The viscosity of joint fluid is decreased by exposure to X-rays, the decrease in viscosity being directly proportional to the amount of irradiation. 2. The viscosity of pure hyaluronic acid solutions is decreased less by the action of X-rays than is the viscosity of joint fluid. 3. Joint fluid is as susceptible to the enzymatic action of bull testis hqaluronidase in the irradiated sample as in the control. S o increase in titratable acidity follows irradiation of pure hyaluronate solution, indicating that the reduction in viscosity probably does not result from oxidative degradation. 4. The possible physiological implications are discussed.
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Ragan et al. (1947) studied this question.