Studies on the generation of hydrogen peroxide during some non-enzymic reactions changing the hyaluronic acid molecule

The effect of catalase on non-enzymic-induced changes in the conformation of hyaluronic acid in a vitreous humour preparation was measured using viscometry. Ascorbate, heavy metal ions, riboflavin or EDTA all lowered the viscosity of hyaluronic acid solutions. These effects could be prevented by the addition of catalase. This suggested that H₂O₂ is produced by these compounds and that the resulting change in conformation of hyaluronic acid may be due to peroxyl and hydroxyl attack by the free radicals thus generated.