Fig. 5. Incorporation of I
I and PTX3 in the matrix. (A) Covalent linkage of
II heavy chains to HA normally occurs in the cumulus matrix of
Ptx3–/– mice. Western blot analysis, with
anti-II, of Ptx3+/– and
Ptx3–/– ovulated cumuli undigested and
digested with hyaluronidase (ha'ase). A 
85 kDa band (representing single
II heavy chains) and additional high molecular weight bands (most
likely representing dimers and clusters of II heavy chains) were
detected after hyaluronidase digestion in both
Ptx3+/– and Ptx3–/–
cumulus matrix. (B) PTX3 is not covalently bound to HA in the cumulus matrix.
The band recognized by anti-PTX3 shows the same intensity in undigested and
digested Ptx3+/– cumuli. As expected, no PTX3
positivity was found in Ptx3–/– cumuli.