Variability of keratan sulfate isolated from beef cornea

Abstract

Glycosaminoglycans were isolated from beef cornea and further fractionated on the basis of ethanol solubility. Variability of keratan sulfate was found. The forms differ in reducing activity, sulfur content, infrared spectra and specific optical rotation. Keratan sulfotransferase (3′-phosphoadenylylsulfate: keratan sulfotransferase) activity is low but detectable in beef cornea-epithelial extract. Keratan sulfate with the lower sulfate content acts as a sulfate acceptor while the other does not.