The Glycosaminoglycans of the Human Joint Capsule: Isolation and Characterization

In human osteoarthritic knee joint capsules the total concentration of hexosamine and the concentration as hexosamine of the glycosaminoglycans was found to be 1.1 per cent and 0.2 per cent of tissue dry weight respectively. The cetylpyridinium chloride fractionation pattern indicated no major differences in comparison with normal capsules. When identified on a small level the results correlated rather well with the macro‐level analysis. Hyaluronic acid, chondroitin‐6 sulfate and dermatan sulfate could be identified whereas keratan sulfate was a minor component in the capsular digest. Another minor component which could not be conclusively identified might be heparan sulfate. Data suggestive of DS‐CS hybrids were present.