Skin Acidic Glycosaminoglycans in Alloxan Diabetic Rats

Rats made diabetic by administration of alloxan showed a 36 per cent reduction in total GAG concentration. The concentration of hyaluronic acid was 59 per cent and that of chondroitin-4-sulfate 40 per cent decreased. Heparin concentration was 51 per cent increased. The other sulfated fractions did not appear to be affected. The administration of insulin almost entirely restored the level of the affected GAG to normal values, with the only exception of heparin.