Distribution of heparin and other sulfated glycosaminoglycans in vertebrates.

1. A comparative study on the distribution of sulfated glycosaminoglycans in several tissues of six specimens of different vertebrate classes is reported. 2. Each tissue has a characteristic composition differing from each other regarding the relative amount, type and molecular size of chondroitin 4.6-sulfate, dermatan sulfate and heparan sulfate. 3. The same tissue from different vertebrates has, in general, the same types of sulfated glycosaminoglycans, but with different molecular weights. 4. Exception to this rule was observed for the distribution of heparin which was present only in a few tissues of the 6 vertebrates studied. 5. The possible involvement of the sulfated glycosaminoglycans in cell recognition and/or adhesiveness is discussed in view of this characteristic distribution.