Ganglioside in Maturing Rat Brain

Abstract

THE cerebral cortex is characterized in part by its large content of glycolipid material called gangliosides. These substances were first noted in brain by Klenk¹. Later they were extensively studied by Folch et al.^2,3 who have used the term ‘strandin’ for their preparations. Brain gangliosides have been shown to contain hexoses, hexosamines, N-acetylneuraminic acid (NANA) and ceramides. There are strong indications that amino-acids are joined to the glycolipid in situ². Because of different procedures and the use of divergent species, workers have not been able to agree on the exact concentrations of the various components. Bogoch⁴, on the basis of hydrolytic studies, has proposed a basic unit structure for ox-brain ganglioside. Klenk and Gielen⁵ have suggested a smaller, though similar, unit. Both authors indicate that there should be a stoichiometric relationship among the components of mature brain ganglioside.