Sulfated glycosaminoglycans from ovary of Rhodnius prolixus

We have characterized sulfated glycosaminoglycans from ovaries of the blood -sucking insect Rhodnius prolixus, and determined parameters of their synth esis and distribution within this organ by biochemical and histochemical pr ocedures. The major sulfated glycosaminoglycan is heparan sulfate while cho ndroitin 4-sulfate is a minor component. These glycosaminoglycans are conce ntrated in the ovarian tissue and are not found inside the oocytes. Besides this, we detected the presence of a sulfated compound distinguished from s ulfated glycosaminoglycans and possibly derived from sulfated proteins. Con versely to the compartmental location of sulfated glycosaminoglycans, the u nidentified sulfated compound is located in the ovarian tissue as well as i nside the oocytes. Based on these and other findings, the possible roles of ovarian sulfated glycosaminoglycans on the process of oogenesis in these i nsects are discussed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.