Glycosaminoglycans of some mouse mastocytomas

Abstract The glycosaminoglycan fractions of four murine mastocytomas (AB-CBF 1 - MCT-1, AB-CXBG-MCT-1, AB-CXBI-MCT-1, and Furth), were isolated and characterized using microelectrophoresis, degradation with specific mucopoly- saccharidases, paper chromatography and, in some instances, ion-exchange chromatography. Intramuscular and ascites tumors and tumors cultured in vitro were used. The glycosaminoglycans were labeled with [ 35 S]sulfate and, in a few instances, with D -[6− 3 H]glucosamine. The glycosaminoglycan fraction obtained from the AB-CBF 1 -MCT-1 mastocytoma cultured in vitro consisted predominantly of dermatan sulfate-like material. On the other hand, the major components of the glycosaminoglycan fraction of the AB-CXBG-MCT-1 and AB-CXBI-MCT-1 and Furth tumors were observed to behave like heparin or heparan sulfate. In most of the mastocytoma samples examined, chondroitin 4-sulfate-like components were found to be present in smaller amounts, even in samples derived from tumor cells cultured in vitro. A component exhibiting a keratan sulfate-like behavior was detected in fractions obtained from the solid CXBG, CXBI and Furth tumors.