The synthesis of total and specific glycosaminoglycans during development of experimental liver cirrhosis

During hepatic fibrogenesis induced by long-term administration of thioacetamide, the synthesis of chondroitin 4,6-sulfate and hyaluronic acid was strongly enhanced; the formation of heparan sulfate comprising at least 70% of total liver GAG synthesis and of a keratan-sulfate-like fraction was stimulated 1.7 fold. Formation of dermatan-sulfate in liver could not be detected.