DETECTION OF COMPLEX GANGLIOSIDES IN HUMAN AMNIOTIC-FLUID

Gangliosides are possibly very potent immunosuppressive molecules. Her e we show that human amniotic fluid contains high concentrations of a number of previously unnoted, structurally complex and highly polar ga ngliosides. These unusual molecules are present early in pregnancy (fi rst trimester), increase in concentration with gestational age, and re ach maximum levels (0.8 muM) at term. Since similar gangliosides have been detected in human placenta, trophoblast, and amnion, we suggest t hat these molecules are shed into the amniotic fluid bathing these tis sues.