BACTERIAL HYDROLYSIS OF CHONDROITIN SULFATE

¹ Department of Biochemistry, Division of Basic Health Sciences, Emory University, Emory University, Ga.

Decomposition of the purified mucopolysaccharide, chondroitin sulfuric acid, by a crude enzyme preparation of bacteria of carious origin has been investigated. Data are presented establishing enzymatic depolymerization with the release of hexosamine. This depolymerization was investigated under a variety of conditions. Magnesium ion and glutathione were required for optimal activity. A variety of inhibitors were effective; the most potent inhibitor encountered was N-ethylmaleimide.

The enzyme was effective in the hydrolysis of the mucopolysaccharide of enamel from the teeth of cattle and, in fact, was considerably more effective than in the hydrolysis of purified chondroitin sulfate of commercial origin.