HYALURONIDASE AND ITS SUBSTRATE HYALURONAN - BIOCHEMISTRY, BIOLOGICAL-ACTIVITIES AND THERAPEUTIC USES

This is an overview of the biochemistry, biological function and thera peutic uses of hyaluronidase and its substrate, hyaluronate. We focus on the role of hyaluronate and its receptor CD44 in cell-cell and cell -matrix adhesion and cell activation as well as on the putative role o f hyaluronate and hyaluronidase in morphogenesis. Variants of CD44 and their putative role in tumor metastasis are also included. Other topi cs that are discussed are the chemical and enzymatic nature of hyaluro nidase, i.e. the mode of substrate degradation, pharmacodynamical and pharmacokinetic aspects of this enzyme and its role as spreading facto r. Purification methods, possible contaminations and techniques of act ivity determinations are mentioned as well as the physiological role o f hyaluronidase and tumor-associated alterations in serum and tissue e nzyme levels. As far as therapeutic applications are concerned, we dis cuss uses of hyaluronidase in ophthalmology and regional anesthesia as well as pain management in osteoarthritis using hyaluronate. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.