GANGLIOSIDE(GM1) EXPRESSION DURING HUMAN SPINAL-CORD AND NEURAL CRESTDEVELOPMENT

GANGLIOSIDE(GM1) represents a widespread component of the neural cell plasma membranes. Cholera toxin-B subunit binds selectively to GM1. Hu man spinal cords at post-conception (PC) weeks 6 to 11 were examined a nd early GM1 expression shown on the cell plasma membrane in the devel oping grey matter at PC week 6. GM1 was demonstrated also in the margi nal layer (white matter); on neural crest derivative plasma membrane, i.e. dorsal root (DRG) and sympathetic ganglia; along emerging fibres from DRG and neurite terminals innervating skeletal muscle. Gangliosid e(GM1) is highly expressed in spinal cord primary cultures and is a st ringent neural cell marker. Ganglioside(GM1) represents an early marke r of neural differentiation in both spinal cord and neural crest deriv atives.