Polysaccharide from dura mater.

Polysaccharide from Dura mater By Yoshiharu Saito and Koh-Iti Turumi (齋 藤 義 治) (鶴 見 膠 一) From the Department of Biochemistry, Fukushima Medical College, Fukushima (Received for publication, October 10, 1954) Chemical studies of dura mater has not as yet been accomplished. Histologicaly dura mater is composed of connective tissue. We examined the tissue histochemically by periodic acid oxidation method according to Hotchkiss1) and with positive result. Furthermore, metachromatic re action with toluidine blue was given even at pH. 2.5 but commercial hyaluronidase (Sprase of Mochida Co.) showed no effect on the reaction, suggesting the presence of an acidic polysaccharide different from hyaluronic acid in this tissue. Therefore, it was attempted to isolate this acidic substance, and a new polysaccharide was obtained. From the analytical data it is assumed as a polysulphate of polygalacturonic acid. To add, it was found that this substance has an antihemocoagulative activity.