Sulphate Metabolism in Cartilage

Abstract

Comparison of uptake of S35 sulphate and total sulphur sulphate in cartilage strips incubated in Krebs-Ringer's solution indicates that over-all breakdown of chondroitin sulphate is taking place despite vigorous uptake of S35. S35 uptake is inhibited by cyanide and iodoacetate; however, cyanide protects against total sulphate sulphur loss while iodoacetate has no effect or may even increase the loss. The existence of a cyanide-sensitive enzyme responsible for one of the early steps in cartilage breakdown is suggested.