Description
Hyaluronidase catalyzes the random hydrolysis of 1,4-linkages between 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucose and D-glucose residues in hyaluronate. Hyaluronate 4-glycanohydrolase (EC 3.2.1.36) catalyzes the depolymerization of mucopolysaccharides, hyaluronic acid, and the chondroitin sulfates A and C. The enzyme is widely distributed in animal tissues but is found in great concentrations in the bovine and ovine testes. It is also produced by a number of bacteria. Hyaluronidase from bovine testes has a molecular weight of 55,000. Purified hyaluronidase is used clinically for the intradermal administration of large volumes of fluid when intravenous injections are contraindicated. The enzyme is administered prior to or simultaneously with the fluid and it facilitates absorption of the fluid