Abstract
Summary
Analysis of the total dermis from scleroderma revealed a normal concentration of hydroxyproline while hexosamines were increased in a significant number of cases. A 0.15 M NaCl dermal extract revealed normal concentration of hexoses and hexosamines, thus, suggesting no increase in neutral or acid mucopolysaccharides. The concentration of soluble dermal proteins was normal and separation by acrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed no significant qualitative changes. Gelatins obtained from scleroderma insoluble collagens revealed a normal concentration of hexoses and free aldehydes although the hexosamines were significantly increased. The possible implications of this last finding are discussed.
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