CHARACTERISTICS OF PROTEOGLYCANS OF BUFFALO OVARIAN FOLLICULAR-FLUID DURING MATURATION OF FOLLICLES

The proteoglycans (PGs) and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) of buffalo ovari an follicular fluid (FF) have been studied in small (2-4.9 mm), medium (5-9.9 mm) and large (greater than or equal to 10 mm) follicles. GAGs in different categories of follicles were isolated, assayed and analy sed. On the basis of hexosamine analysis, glucosamine accounted for al l the free GAGs in FF of small and medium follicles. No free GAG was f ound in large follicles. The concentration of GAGs in the form of PGs decreased significantly with follicular maturation. Qualitative analys is of GAGs from PGs showed higher galactosamine than glucosamine. The ratios of GalNH(2) : GluNH(2) and neutral sugars were highest in small follicles followed by medium and large follicles. On the other hand, the percentage of sialic acid in GAGs was highest in large follicles f ollowed by medium and small follicles. The fractionation of PGs by gel filtration indicated. the presence of two types of PGs in buffalo ova rian FF. Difference in distribution of two types of PGs in small and l arge follicles was also noted.