Glycocalyx of epidermal cells in vitro: demonstration and enzymatic removal

Guinea-pig epidermal cells in culture possess a glycocalyx coat similar to that in vivo, as revealed by the ruthenium red stating technique. Trypsin, phospholipase C, and lysozyme do not produce any changes of the glycocalyx, while hyaluronidase and neuraminidase lead to partial and subcomplete removal respectively. Cells stripped of their glycocalyx coat by neuraminidase do not detach from the support and do not show any signs of toxicity. There is complete reconstitution of the glycocalyx within 24 hr.