Ganglioside concentration in human plasma

Abstract The ganglioside concentration in plasma from 52 normal children between 6 months and 12 years old was determined. No significant age or sex difference was found. The mean concentration was 265 nmole/100 ml with a standard deviation of 55. Thin layer chromatography in common solvent systems revealed a pattern of 5 fractions with R F values slightly differing from the gangliosides of brain. Elevated N -acetylneuraminic acid levels were found in gangliosidoses. Their significance is shortly discussed.