In this study, age-related changes of GM1, GD la, GT1b fractions of ganglio
sides were investigated in whole brain of male Wistar albino rats, Insignif
icant increases were detected in GM1 values from the third to the 24th mont
h, whereas GD1a and GT1b concentrations of ganglioside in 24-month-old rats
decreased significantly as compared to 6-month-old rats. Although there we
re no significant differences in the GD1a/GT1b ratio of any groups. GM1/GD1
a and Gm1/GT1b ratios were significantly increased as compared to 6-month-o
ld rats. The increase in the ratios of gangliosides are not due to an incre
ase of GM1 fractions: they result from a decrease of GD la and GT1b fractio
ns of gangliosides. In conclusion, the concentration of ganglioside decreas
ed with ageing. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley gr Sons, Ltd.