a linear glycosaccharide of repeating N-acetylglucosamine and glucuronic acid disaccharide units.
A large, highly hydrated polysaccharide that is a major component of the extracellular matrix; also called hyaluronic acid and hyaluronate. It imparts stiffness and resilience as well as a lubricating quality to many types of connective tissue.
a substance found naturally in joint fluid that acts as a "shock absorber" and lubricant in the knee joint and is necessary for the joint to work properly.
A large, linear glycosaminoglycan that is a natural part of the synovial fluid found in joint cavities. Hyaluronan has unique viscoelastic properties, which means it behaves as a viscous liquid at low shear rates and as an elastic solid at high shear rates.
a prescribed fluid, that is similar to the synovial fluid that occurs naturally in the knee; it is injected into the knee to help decrease pain and increase the cushioning and lubrication of the synovial fluid in the knee that has become osteoarthritic.
A carbohydrate component of proteoglycans in the matrix of many connective tissues.
Hyaluronan (also called hyaluronic acid or hyaluronate) is a non-sulfated glycosaminoglycan distributed widely throughout connective, epithelial, and neural tissues. It is one of the chief components of the extracellular matrix, contributes significantly to cell proliferation and migration, and may also be involved in the progression of some malignant tumors. The average 70kg man has roughly 15 grams of hyaluronan in his body, one third of which is turned over (degraded and synthesised) every day.Stern, R (2004) Hyaluronan catabolism: a new metabolic pathway Eur J Cell Biol 83:317-325.