Glycosaminoglycans in human articular cartilage of the lower femoral epiphysis in osteoarthrosis.

Biopsy specimens of human articular cartilage were taken from the caudal summits and from the posterior part of both epicondyles of the right lower femoral epiphysis of 20 individuals within 12 hours post mortem. 12 articular surfaces were normal and 8 included changes attributable to osteoarthrosis. In one individual with osteoarthrotic changes the articular cartilage surface was subjected to a more detailed study. CPC- and ECTEOLA-cellulose column chromatography of glycosaminoglycans was performed and the content and collagen contents were determined. A reduced ratio of chondroitin to keratan sulphates in articular cartilage was found to be related to age. In osteoarthrosis this change was more pronounced and both chondroitin sulphate and keratan sulphate were of lower molecular weight and/or sulphate content. On approaching eburnized cartilage surfaces, decreasing concentrations of glycosaminoglycans were found, concomitant with a corresponding increase in non-collagenous proteins. No change in hyaluronic acid concentration was found with advancing age or in osteoarthrosis.