Hyaluronidase

Chemical properties

White or yellowish-white, amorphous powder.

The Uses of Hyaluronidase

Hyaluronidase from sheep testes has been used:

• in flow cytometry
• in the isolation of putative spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs)
• to study the effects of magnetic stimulation in magnetic hydrogel properties
• in immunohistochemistry to visualize collagen type II distribution
• to expose group-III auditory neurons of Muller′s organ for patch-clamp recordings
• for the degeneration of hydrogels

The Uses of Hyaluronidase

Used to promote absorption of fluid into tissues.

Definition

Any of a class of soluble enzymes produced in mammalian testes that catalyze cleavage of glycosidic bonds of oartucular mucopolysaccharides. As a component of venoms, it reduces the viscosity of connective tissues and promotes tissue penetration of the ve

General Description

Hyaluronidase is a hyaluronic acid-metabolizing enzyme. It is found in the venoms of snake, honeybee and hymenoptera. Hyaluronidase degrades hyaluronic acid (HA), which enhances membrane permeability, lowers viscosity and increases tissue permeability. It enhances the diffusion of local anesthetics, lowers the size of myocardial infarction, improves the effects of anticancer drugs and prevents perineal trauma during spontaneous delivery.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Hyaluronidase degrades hyaluronan and has been found to be inappropriately regulated during cancer progression.

Purification Methods

Hyaluronidase is purified by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose prior to use. [Distler & Jourdain J Biol Chem 248 6772 1973.]