Changes in glycosaminoglycan content of healing rabbit tendon.

Changes in the concentration of the major glycosaminoglycan compounds were measured during healing of severed Achilles tendons in rabbits. Using zone electrophoresis for separation, and densitometry for quantitation of these compounds, their concentrations could be measured in each of several portions of the tendon and its associated muscle. Immediately after injury, the concentration of hyaluronic acid in the healing area and those portions of the tendon closely associated with it increased dramatically. An increase in the concentration of dermatan sulphate accompanied the subsequent formation of repair tissue. Increased concentrations of glycosaminoglycan compounds were also found in the musculotendinous area remote from the injury, probably in response to relaxation of the severed tendon.