Effect of Manganese Deficiency on the Acid Mucopolysaccharides in Cartilage of Guinea Pigs

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Skeletal abnormalities observed in the manganese-deficient guinea pig at birth were studied from the standpoint of defects in biosynthesis of the organic matrix of cartilage during fetal development. When the adult female was provided with less than 3 ppm of Mn throughout gestation there was a significant reduction in the concentration of all acid mucopolysaccharides (AMPS) tested in rib and epiphyseal cartilage. The mixture of chondroitin sulfates which makes up the major constituent of the total AMPS present was significantly reduced, with chondroitin 4-sulfate and chondroitin 6-sulfate being affected about equally in epiphyseal cartilage. Chondroitin 6-sulfate was significantly reduced in rib cartilage. Hyaluronic acid and heparin were likewise significantly lowerd in the case of manganese-deficient animals at birth. Skeletal defects associated with manganese deficiency are believed to be brought about by defective metabolism of cartilage matrix constituents.