Separation of a Hyaluronate-free Lubricating Fraction from Synovial Fluid
Abstract
THE lubricating qualities of synovial fluid from animal joints have been ascribed to the presence of large hyaluronate or hyaluronate-protein complexes1, although it has been questioned whether the protein was in fact an integral component of these macromolecules2. It is also uncertain whether the high relative viscosity of synovial fluid is important in building up a boundary layer of lubricant on the cartilage surface3. Some investigators suggest that the boundary layer is chemically bound, and that the viscosity of the lubricant is of little importance in the lubrication at the cartilage to cartilage interface4,5.
- Publication:
-
Nature
- Pub Date:
- October 1970
- DOI:
- 10.1038/228377a0
- Bibcode:
- 1970Natur.228..377R