Hyaluronan Functions in the Extracellular Matrix

Hyaluronan performs its major functions in extracellular matrix [41,162-164] where it fills the extracellular matrix upon its structuring through interactions with proteins [57,165]. Hyaluronan plays an important role in cell and tissue hydrodynamics, ion exchange and transportation of the different compounds in two opposite directions (from the blood vessels into the cell and from the cell into lymphatic vessels). It also participates in the active exchange of metabolites and ions and gases (O h CO ) between blood and tissues, and 

In order to discuss the mechanisms of HA functioning in the extracellular matrix of different tissues, we wiU make a short excursion into the biochemistry of the extracellular matrix. 

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