Distribution of hexosamines in bovine cornea

Excised bovine cornea were sectioned from epithelium to endothelium into 6 to 8 fractions. The glucosamine/galactosamine ratio steadily increases from epithelium to endothelium in all bovine corneas investigated. The glucosamine/galactosamine ratio reflects the keratan sulfate/chondroitin-4-sulfate ratio in the cornea. The significance of this topographic distribution is discussed in terms of the different hydration properties of proteoglycans containing predominantly keartan sulfate or chondroitin-4-sulfate chains.