C 14 -Labeled Streptococcal Hyaluronic Acid in the Guinea Pig. ∗

Summary

Streptococcal hyaluronic acid was biosynthetically labeled with C¹⁴ from acetate-1-C¹⁴. Approximately 75% of the label was in the acetyl of N-acetyl glucosamine. After intravenous injection, C¹⁴-labeled streptococcal hyaluronic acid was rapidly cleared from the plasma. Electrophoresis disclosed some binding of hyaluronic acid to plasma proteins. The maximal rate of respiratory C¹⁴O₂ loss and urinary excretion of hyaluronic acid did not occur until the 2nd and 3rd hour following intravenous injection. Only traces of intravenously injected hyaluronic acid appeared in the synovial space, skin or vitreous humor.