Metabolism of Glycosaminoglycans in Alloxan Diabetic Rats: I. Changes in Tissue Glycosaminoglycans

The changes in glycosaminoglycans and lipids in the aorta, kidney, skin and retina in alloxan diabetic rats have been studied. Maximum increase in the total cholesterol occurred in the aorta and retina; the skin and kidney showed moderate increase. The increase in phospholipid was moderate in the skin, but less in the kidney, aorta and retina. Glycosaminoglycan concentration was highest in the aorta, while the retina contained moderate amounts. The kidney and skin showed much lower amounts. The changes in the different fractions of glycosaminoglycans in these tissues, fifteen days and two months after alloxan administration, have been studied. In the aorta and retina, the ratio of sulfated glycosaminoglycans to hyaluronic acid is normally high and decreases considerably in the alloxan diabetic rat. In the kidney also there is significant decrease in this ratio, but in the skin there is a decrease of both sulfated glycosaminoglycans as well as hyaluronic acid. The possible role of glycosaminoglycans in the development of cardiovascular complications of diabetes has been discussed.