The acidic glycosaminoglycans of gingiva of diabetic rats

Rats made diabetic by administration of alloxan monohydrate showed in gingiva a 35.9 % reduction in total glycosaminoglycans concentration. The concentration of hyaluronic acid was 48·4 % and that of chondroitin-4-sulfate 45·2 % decreased. Heparin concentration was 23·8 % increased. The other sulfate fractions did not appear to be affected. The administration of insulin almost entirely restored the level of the affected glycosaminoglycans to normal values with the only exception of heparin.