Biomaterial Database

Influence of dextran macromolecules on the glycosaminoglycan metabolism of cultured corneal stroma and keratoconus fibroblast. 1983

H Bleckmann

The addition of dextran macromolecules to the incubation medium at 1% and 10% concentration does not cause any alteration of sulphated glycosaminoglycan synthesis or its distribution within the various cell compartments. This is in contrast to observations on a serum-free and dextran-enriched medium in which glycosaminoglycan distribution of stored corneal tissue remains normal and the concentration of keratan sulphate is maintained. The mechanism of this action is unknown. Some experimental findings of the influence of dextran upon cell metabolism are discussed.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007640	Keratoconus	A noninflammatory, usually bilateral protrusion and thinning of the CORNEA, the apex being displaced downward and nasally. It occurs most commonly in females at about puberty. Two closely related noninflammatory corneal ectasias are pellucid marginal degeneration and keratoglobus.	Keratoglobus,Pellucid Marginal Corneal Degeneration,Pellucid Marginal Degeneration,Degeneration, Pellucid Marginal,Marginal Degeneration, Pellucid,Pellucid Marginal Degenerations
D002478	Cells, Cultured	Cells propagated in vitro in special media conducive to their growth. Cultured cells are used to study developmental, morphologic, metabolic, physiologic, and genetic processes, among others.	Cultured Cells,Cell, Cultured,Cultured Cell
D003315	Cornea	The transparent anterior portion of the fibrous coat of the eye consisting of five layers: stratified squamous CORNEAL EPITHELIUM; BOWMAN MEMBRANE; CORNEAL STROMA; DESCEMET MEMBRANE; and mesenchymal CORNEAL ENDOTHELIUM. It serves as the first refracting medium of the eye. It is structurally continuous with the SCLERA, avascular, receiving its nourishment by permeation through spaces between the lamellae, and is innervated by the ophthalmic division of the TRIGEMINAL NERVE via the ciliary nerves and those of the surrounding conjunctiva which together form plexuses. (Cline et al., Dictionary of Visual Science, 4th ed)	Corneas
D003319	Corneal Stroma	The lamellated connective tissue constituting the thickest layer of the cornea between the Bowman and Descemet membranes.	Corneal Stromas,Stroma, Corneal,Stromas, Corneal
D003911	Dextrans	A group of glucose polymers made by certain bacteria. Dextrans are used therapeutically as plasma volume expanders and anticoagulants. They are also commonly used in biological experimentation and in industry for a wide variety of purposes.	Dextran,Dextran 40,Dextran 40000,Dextran 70,Dextran 75,Dextran 80,Dextran B-1355,Dextran B-1355-S,Dextran B1355,Dextran B512,Dextran Derivatives,Dextran M 70,Dextran T 70,Dextran T-40,Dextran T-500,Hemodex,Hyskon,Infukoll,Macrodex,Polyglucin,Promit,Rheodextran,Rheoisodex,Rheomacrodex,Rheopolyglucin,Rondex,Saviosol,Dextran B 1355,Dextran B 1355 S,Dextran T 40,Dextran T 500
D005347	Fibroblasts	Connective tissue cells which secrete an extracellular matrix rich in collagen and other macromolecules.	Fibroblast
D006025	Glycosaminoglycans	Heteropolysaccharides which contain an N-acetylated hexosamine in a characteristic repeating disaccharide unit. The repeating structure of each disaccharide involves alternate 1,4- and 1,3-linkages consisting of either N-acetylglucosamine (see ACETYLGLUCOSAMINE) or N-acetylgalactosamine (see ACETYLGALACTOSAMINE).	Glycosaminoglycan,Mucopolysaccharides
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D046911	Macromolecular Substances	Compounds and molecular complexes that consist of very large numbers of atoms and are generally over 500 kDa in size. In biological systems macromolecular substances usually can be visualized using ELECTRON MICROSCOPY and are distinguished from ORGANELLES by the lack of a membrane structure.	Macromolecular Complexes,Macromolecular Compounds,Macromolecular Compounds and Complexes,Complexes, Macromolecular,Compounds, Macromolecular,Substances, Macromolecular