Comparison of the Unit-chain Distributions of Glycogens from Different Biological Sources, Revealed by Anion Exchange Chromatography

Abstract

The precise distributions of α-1, 4-unit-chains of several kinds of glycogens, average chain length 7-13, from different sources, e.g., mammals, shellfish, mushrooms, and microorganisms, were compared using high performance anion exchange chromatography (HPAEC). These glycogens were completely debranched, and a series of maltosaccharides derived from individual unit-chains were analyzed. Most glycogens had similar chromatographic profiles, with degrees of polymerization (DPs), from 4-5 to 35; oyster glycogen contained shorter chains of DP 2-3. On the other hand, molar-based distribution patterns of these glycogens appeared to be specific to their origins. Ratios of their A- to B-chains varied from 0.6 : 1 to 1.2 : 1, as estimated by quantitative HPAEC of maltosaccharides by debranching of the β-limit dextrins. Possible chain lengths of the exterior A-chains were also discussed.