Glycosaminoglycans in human lung carcinoma.

The glycosaminoglycans were prepared by exhaustive Pronase digestion and alkaline treatment of squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma tissues of human lung, and of tissues taken at a site distant from the tumor as a control. The glycosaminoglycan classes were characterized by chemical enzymic, and electrophoretic methods. The presence of oversulfated chondroitin-and/or dermatan-sulfates which have not up till now been found in lung tissues was also demonstrated in carcinoma and control tissues, their contents being higher in the carcinoma tissues. The levels of whole glycosaminoglycans were markedly increased in carcinoma tissue. The classes of glycosaminoglycans which increased in lung carcinoma tissue were predominatly chondroitin-4-and/or-6-sulfates and hyauronic acid.