The distributions of chondroitin sulfates in articular and growth cartilages of human bones

The relative contents of chondroitin 4- and 6-sulfates in cartilages of different human bones are reported. Articular and vertebral body cartilages contain almost exclusively chondroitin 6-sulfate, whereas growth and subarticular cartilages contain nearly equal amounts of chondroitin 4-sulfate and chondroitin 6-sulfate. Adult cartilages, where the calcification process is complete, contain only chondroitin 6-sulfate. These results suggest that chondroitin 4-sulfate may be an important component for the calcification process, whereas chondroitin 6-sulfate seems to be related to the integrity of the articular surfaces. A chemical defect of chondroitin 6-sulfate in a new mucopolysaccharidosis, characterized by platyspondyly and irregularities of articular surfaces, is in agreement with these results.