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Abstract
The biosynthesis of corneal epithelial proteins and glycoconjugates and their response to vitamin A were measured in vitamin A-deficient and normal rats. The synthesis of specific high-molecular-weight epithelial glycoconjugates was directly related to the levels of vitamin A administered. Protein synthesis, however, remained unaltered. Since vitamin A is known to reverse the keratinization process, the vitamin A-regulated high-molecular-weight glycoconjugates may play a role in modulating the expression of the keratinizing phenotype.