Biosynthesis of glycosaminoglycans by trabecular meshwork cells in vitro.

We compared the incorporation of radioactive precursors into glycosaminoglycans by cynomolgus monkey trabecular meshwork cells in tissue culture and in organ culture. Hyaluronic acid and a variety of sulfated glycosaminoglycans were synthesized in both systems. In organ cultures, the ratio of chondroitin 6- to chondroitin 4-sulfate was higher than that found in tissue cultures. Also, a greater proportion of total glycosaminoglycans found in the organ culture medium was represented by hyaluronic acid. The higher production of chondroitin 6-sulfate and hyaluronic acid, as noted in some embryonic systems, suggested that cells in organ cultures may resemble an acute wound healing or an early developmental state more closely than did cells in tissue cultures.