Connective tissue, polysaccharide role

Hyaluronic acid is a linear polysaccharide found in the highest concentrations in soft connective tissues where it fills an important structural role in the organization of the extracellular matrix (23,24). It has been used in ophthalmic preparations to enhance ocular absorption of timolol, a beta blocker used for the treatment of glaucoma (25), and in a viscoelastic tear formulation for conjunctivitis (26). The covalent binding of adriamycin and daunomycin to sodium hy-aluronate to produce water-soluble conjugates was recently reported (27). 

More complex polysaccharides play important roles in connective tissues and elsewhere. For example, hyaluronic acid is universally present in connective tissues of animals, as well as in their vitreous and synovial fluids. It helps to provide the fluids present in joints with shock-absorbing and lubricating properties. Unlike cellulose, chitin, starch, and glycogen, hyaluronic acid contains two different monomers glucose and N-acetylglucosamine alternate in the structure. Thus, hyaluronic acid is a regular alternating copolymer ABABABA —... 

Do polysaccharides play any specific roles in connective tissue ... 

Silicon, SL- an essential trace element in human nutrition [E. M. Carlisle Science 178 (1972) 619-612 E.M. Carlisle Fed. Proc. Fed. Amer. Soc.Exp. Biol. 32 (1973) 930]. Si is a cross-linking agent in connective tissue. It is thought that Si is bound via oxygen to the C-skeleton of mucopolysaccharides, thus linking parts of the same polysaccharide, or linking acidic mucopolysaccharides to proteins. Si may also serve a matrix or catalytic role in bone mineralization. High levels of Si (as SiOj) are present in plants and diatoms (see Mineral elements). 

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