Glycosaminoglycans in myxoma of the jaw: a biochemical study

Myxoma of the jaw is classified as an odontogenic tumor although final proof for an odontogenic origin is lacking. In the present study glycosaminoglycans (GAG's) in the extracellular matrix of a jaw myxoma were analyzed and compared with known data on GAG's in dental tissues. It was noted that the GAG's formed approximately 1% of the total tumor weight and 17% of the dry weight. Hyaluronic acid formed 72.4% of the GAG-fraction. Neither this high GAG-content nor the high fraction of hyaluronic acid are found in dental tissues and it is concluded that the myxoma matrix differs from the matrix in dental pulp and periodontal ligament.