THE DEGRADATION OF HYALURONIC ACID BY MALE GONADS OF DROSOPHILA

The effect of extracts prepared from the reproductive systems of male Drosophila melanogaster on hyaluronic acid solutions has been studied; an adaptation of the viscosity reduction method was used for following the degradation of hyaluronic acid. It was found that such extracts reduce the viscosity of hyaluronic acid solutions and that the effect of the extracts is dependent on extract concentration. However, extracts prepared from whole flies have relatively little effect on the viscosity of hyaluronic acid solutions. The factor responsible for the extracts' activity is stable to heat, is dialyzable, and is not precipitated by trichloroacetic acid. The possibility that the extracts' activity is nonenzymic is discussed.