CONCENTRATION AND COMPOSITION OF SERUM ACID GLYCOSAMINOGLYCANS IN HORSES

Serum glycosaminoglycan (GAG) composition was studied in horses. Compa rison was made between GAG mixtures obtained from four trained horses and four untrained horses, and with plasma GAGs from two trained horse s. Moreover, the concentrations and characteristics of serum GAGs were evaluated in four trained horses al different times after a show jump ing competition. GAGs were isolated, fractionated and analysed by anio n exchange chromatography. GAG concentrations, expressed in terms of a minosugars, were significantly (p<0.025) higher in serum from trained horses than in serum from untrained horses.Analytical data suggest sim ilar serum GAG composition in trained and untrained horses. Chondroiti n sulphate, measured in terms of galactosamine, and keratan sulphate, measured in terms of galactose, were the main components, and observed in the ratio 4 to 1. About 50% of the GAG chains were undersulphated. Following competition, a decrease of serum GAG concentrations was con stantly observed.