Metabolism of Acid Mucopolysaccharides in the Shwartzman Phenomenon

The effect of the Shwartzman phenomenon on the metabolism of the acid mucopolysaccharides (MPS), hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate, from rabbits with localized lesions was studied. Quantitative changes of MPS were observed by two techniques-the in vivo incorporation of glucose C(14) into the MPS and the in vitro dilution of C(14)-labeled MPS. The results indicate an increased concentration of both MPS fractions in the skin lesions and suggest an increased biosynthesis of the compounds at the site of the lesions. Deposition of chondroitin sulfate from blood may have contributed in part to the concentration of this substance in the lesions. The MPS contribute to the inflammatory state of the Shwartzman phenomenon but the specific roles of these compounds need to be defined by further study.