Hyaluronan (HA) samples ranging in size from small
oligosaccharides to high molecular
weight polymer have been studied by 13C-NMR spectroscopy.
In neutral aqueous solutions, the chemical
shifts of carbons directly involved in the β-1,3 glucuronidic linkage
are found to be sensitive to (1) residue
linkage position in short chains, (2) oligomer degree of
polymerization, (3) solvent ionic strength, and (4)
monovalent vs divalent counterions. The carbons of the
β-1,4-glucosaminidic linkage show less sensitivity
to the above conditions. Thus conformational versatility for HA in
aqueous solution is correlated with a
chemical shift change primarily in carbons of the β-1,3 linkage.
We have also compared the 13C spectrum
of HA in neutral aqueous salt solutions to spectra observed in dimethyl
sulfoxide (DMSO) solution (ordered
2- or 4-fold HA form) or the solid state (Na+ counterion,
tetragonal 4-fold helical HA form). The solid
state spectrum is similar to that found in DMSO but differs
substantially from the aqueous solution
spectrum. The differences are attributed to (1) rotation of the
acetamido group, with concomitant change
in hydrogen bonding and average conformation at the β-1,4 linkage,
and (2) loss of hydrogen bonds in
aqueous solution and consequent change in average conformation at the
β-1,3 linkage.