Mucopolysaccharide Excretion in Dwarf and Normal Cattle

Abstract

Excretion of mucopolysaccharides has been measured in dwarf and normal cattle and in patients with Hurler's disease. Total mucopolysaccharides were determined by the carbazole uronic acid test. Chondroitin sulfates were determined by a chondroitinase assay. Chondroitin sulfate B was estimated by the carbazole and naphthoresorcinol reactions. When mucopolysaccharides in the urine of cattle are expressed relative to creatinine output, there is a well denned pattern characterized by a decrease in mucopolysaccharide excretion with advancing age of the animal. After making appropriate allowances for age and creatinine output, mucopolysaccharide excretion was found to be similar for dwarf and normal cattle by all qualitative and quantitative tests used. Gross and microscopic examinations at autopsy of dwarf cattle revealed differences in tissues from those reported for patients with Hurler's disease.