The glycosaminoglycans of canine menisci

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Abstract
The knee semilunar menisci have an important mechanical function and are commonly involved in joint degeneration. Previously published analyses of the compositions of normal and degenerate human menisci vary widely. Glycosaminoglycan content and composition of selected areas of the menisci of 8 normal knees of working foxhounds were determined. The menisci contained 10% less water and .apprx. 8-fold less glycosaminoglycan than did the articular cartilage of these animals. Although the glycosaminoglycan composition was the same in different regions of the menisci, the total amounts varied considerably. Of the chondroitinase-digestible material, .apprx. 60% was chondroitin 6-sulfate, 25% chondroitin 4-sulfate, 10% chondroitin and 5% dermatan sulfate. Hyaluronic acid accounted for .apprx. 6% of the total uronic acid.