Characterization of hyaluronic acid on tissue sections with hyaluronectin.

An affinity immunological procedure for hyaluronic acid detection on tissue sections is described. This new, sensitive, and specific technique is based on the high affinity of hyaluronectin for hyaluronic acid, utilizing anti-hyaluronectin-hyaluronectin immune complexes. Elimination of binding when the reagent was supplemented with hyaluronic acid or when Streptomyces hyaluronidase-digested tissue sections were used emphasizes the specificity of the assay. This technique made possible accurate HA localization in embryonic mesenchyme, in neural tissue, in kidney medulla, and in tumors.