Rat Epiphyseal Cartilage: II. Sulfate-35 Incorporation into Proteinpolysaccharide, in vitro

Summary 1. The incorporation of radio-sulfate into PP of rat epiphyseal cartilage was studied in association with glucose consumption and lactate production. 2. Calculations based on the specific activity of media sulfate suggest rapid sulfation of PP within the age group of the animals employed. 3. Chemical analysis of the isolated PP revealed significant changes in the ratio of its two major constituents with age. 4. The effect of oxygen lack and omission of media glucose on these parameters was evaluated along with changes in divalent cationic concentrations. 5. These observations are discussed in terms of present knowledge of the metabolism of epiphyseal cartilage.