Radiolysis of human gastric glycopolypeptides in aqueous solution

The degradation of human gastric glycopolypeptides by hydroxyl radicals formed in irradiated N2O-saturated aqueous solution has been investigated. Gel exclusion chromatography shows the formation of lower molecular weight degradation products after irradiation and the appearance of unsaturated carbonyl-containing products which absorb in the ultra-violet. The radiation-induced destruction of individual monosaccharides in three human glycopolypeptides having different oligosaccharide chains has been measured. The results indicate that the structure of the oligosaccharide chain determines the extent of destruction of each type of monosaccharide present.