ABSTRACT
Hyaluronan is a very large carbohydrate heteropolymer that is a major constituent of the interstitial space and is of great importance in synovial fluid. In addition to its physical functions as a lubricant and a cushioning agent, it is vital to cellular function. It is also a key component of hydrogels used for drug delivery 1 – 3 and tissue augmentation. 4 – 6 The hyaluronan is generally internally cross-linked or cross-linked with a protein, such as fibrin. The focus of the current chapter is on the effect of hyaluronan on proteolytic activity in the interstitial space. The reader is directed to the recent book by Garg and Hales 7 for more information on hyaluronan.
