[The change of hyaluronic acid of the vitreous humour by oxidation-reduction-systems (author's transl)].

Purified hyaluronic acid of ox vitreous humour was isolated treating the acetone precipitate of a vitreous humour homogenate with 1 M NaCl solution and thereafter with cetylpyridiniumchloride. Both disc-electrophoresis and hydroxyproline content proved the absence of collagen in the purified hyaluronic acid. FeSO4, ascorbate, and cysteine changed the hyaluronic acid molecule and lowered the viscosity of the hyaluronic acid solution, EDTA alone did not affect the viscosity but enhanced the effectiveness of iron ions or ascorbate on the viscosity of the solution. Catalase prevented the reduction of the viscosity by the above mentioned substances. Therefore, it is suggested that H2O2 and free radicals are generated during the reaction. The free radicals produced are responsible for the change of the hyaluronic acid molecule.