Production of GJycosaminoglycans by Rat Hair Follicle Cells in Vitro

Cultures of cells from rat dermal tissue, containing a large proportion of cells from the hair follicles, were found to produce glycosaminoglycans. The glycans were associated with the cell aggregates which typically form in such cultures, and also appeared to be present in material which was released from the cells. Examination of the glycosaminoglycan species present in the cultures showed the presence of hyaluronic acid, dermatan sulfate, chondroitin-4-sulfate, heparin and heparan sulfate-C, the first two compounds being secreted.into the culture medium. The patterns of synthesis and sulfation of glycosaminoglycans were found to change with continued time in culture.