Acid mucopolysaccharide content of the cardiac jelly of the chick embryo

Investigations of the stage 16 to 19 chick embryo have been performed specifically in relation to the composition of cardiac jelly. Biochemical analysis has demonstrated the presence of a non-dialyzable sulfated mucopolysaccharide, containing hexosamine and uronic acid. This material can be complexed with cetylpyridinium chloride, and then exhibits differential salt solubility in accordance with known characteristics of acid mucopolysaccharides, suggesting that the chondroitin sulfates and heparin-like compounds are the major sulfated components. Histochemical and 35S-sulfate incorporation studies also support the interpretation that cardiac jelly contains a significant amount of sulfated acid mucopolysaccharide.