Polysaccharide content of the prolapsed nucleus pulposus of the human intervertebral disk

THE nucleus pulposus of normal human intervertebral disk contains the two acidic mucopolysaccharides, chondroitin sulphate and keratosulphate1–3. During ageing an increase of collagen occurs4 leading to a decreased ratio of mucopolysaccharide to collagen, although the absolute amount of mucopolysaccharide remains constant4.