PENTOSAN POLYSULFATE AND GLYCOSAMINOGLYCAN POLYSULFATE STIMULATE THE SYNTHESIS OF HYALURONAN IN-VIVO

Pentosan polysulphate (PPS) and glycosaminoglycan polysulphate (GAGPS) were examined for their ability to alter hyaluronan synthesis in vivo . The inflamed rat subcutaneous air pouch model was used for the study . PPS or GAGPS injected into the air pouch at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg dail y for 7 days resulted in higher molecular weight hyaluronan in the pou ch fluid compared with control non-drug-treated pouch fluid. The quant ity of the hyaluronan was increased by PPS, but not by GAGPS. We concl uded that both drugs could be beneficial in the treatment of inflammat ory arthritides in which a decrease in normal synovial hyaluronan conc entration and molecular weight occurs.