Endo- and exoglycosidases in an experimental rat osteosarcoma

Glycosidases capable of degrading intercellular matrix components were investigated in a 32P induced rat osteosarcoma. Homogenates of ossifying tumour were shown to readily degrade hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulphates 4 and 6 but not dermatan sulphate. High levels of the exoglycosidases, beta-glucuronidase and beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase were found in tumour homogenates, and it was demonstrated that these enzymes contribute to the degradation of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid. The levels of these enzymes were compared with activities found in homogenates of neonatal bone and muscle surrounding tumours. Exoglycosidases, but not hyaluronidase, were found to be produced by cultures of osteosarcoma in vitro.