[Incorporation of labeled precursors in glycosaminoglycans of the media-intima of the arterial wall].

The enzymes involved in glycosaminoglycans biosynthesis are characterized in homogenates of aortic media-intima. Incorporation of hexosamine from uridine nucleotide precursor was done into the saccharide chains of glycosaminoglycans. Labelling of aortic glycosaminoglycans by 35S-precursors is performed in our fractions; the results obtained demonstrate the uptake of 35S-sulfate from its corresponding active nucleotide sulfate ; highest sulfation is obtained for the post-microsomal supernatant. Following incorporation of 35S-sulfate or 14C-radio-activity into the different glycosaminoglycans, the largest percent uptake is obtained for heparan sulfate and the lowest for chondroitin sulfate.