338 



ALBERT DORFMAN AND SARA SCHILLER 



TABLE VI 



Effect of Thyroid Hormone on Concentration of 

 Mucopolysaccharides in Rat Skin 



experiments a striking differential effect was observed. Concomitant with 

 a decrease in the concentration of chondroitin sulphuric acid, there was 

 marked increase in hyaluronic acid. Administration of thyroxine reversed 

 these effects toward normal. The biochemical or endocrinological 

 mechanisms are not clear. Nevertheless, these findings may afford an 

 explanation for the mechanism of myxoedema. 



Summary 



The information presented in this paper indicates that the connective 

 tissues represent not only a mechanical support for parenchymal cells, but 

 a controlled and controlling environment. The acid mucopolysaccharides 

 are a family of compounds with a chemical unity. Nevertheless, the 

 chemical variations within the group are mirrored by differences in 

 biological activity. Various tissues exhibit variations in polysaccharide 

 composition. Furthermore, it is apparent that under physiological and 

 pathological influences, this composition may be altered both qualitatively 

 and quantitatively. Such variation results in a change in the milieu in 

 immediate contact with parenchymal cells. 



Acknowledgment 



The authors are grateful to Dr. Martin B. Mathews for many valuable 

 discussions of ideas presented in this paper. 



