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Some structural studies on the galactose-containing polysaccharide from bovine placenta
R Pontarolo1, J H Duarte, M A Feijó
1Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Brazil.
Placenta
|July 1, 1993
Summary
Bovine placenta contains a novel galactose-rich polysaccharide aggregate. This complex includes a glycogen-like glucan and an alpha-D-galactan, suggesting a role for galactose in fetal development.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Glycobiology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Placental polysaccharides play crucial roles in fetal development.
- Previous research has not identified specific galactose-containing polysaccharides in bovine placenta.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize polysaccharide fractions from bovine placenta.
- To investigate the structural features and potential biological significance of these placental polysaccharides.
Main Methods:
- Polysaccharide extraction using aqueous HgCl2.
- Purification via selective precipitation with Cetavlon and sodium borate.
- Structural analysis using molecular-sieve chromatography, electrophoresis, methylation studies, and enzymatic degradation (beta-amylase, protease with glucosidase activity).
Main Results:
- A homogeneous polysaccharide fraction was isolated, primarily composed of galactose and glucose, with 5% hexosamines.
- Methylation studies indicated the presence of D-glucopyranosyl and D-galactopyranosyl units forming a molecular aggregate.
- Enzymatic treatments revealed (1-->4)-linked alpha-D-glucopyranosyl residues in a glycogen-like component and an alpha-D-galactan with specific substitution patterns.
Conclusions:
- Bovine placenta contains a previously unrecognized molecular aggregate of glycogen-like glucan and alpha-D-galactan.
- The presence of this galactan supports the hypothesis that galactose-containing polysaccharides are involved in fetal development.