Changes in the Concentration and Composition of Human Brain Gangliosides with Aging

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Abstract
Ganglioside content and composition were studied in whole brains from 9 neurologically normal male individuals ranging from 25-85 yr in age. Content of ganglioside-bound sialic acid decreased from 1070-380 .mu.g/g fresh tissue at 85 yr. Ten individual ganglioside fractions were identified on high-performance TLC, 7 of which were quantified. With age, ganglioside composition shifted to a more polar pattern due to an increase in the relative concentration of the more polar fractions G1b, GQ1b and GD1b and a decrease in GD1a and GM1. Except for GQ1b, the absolute concentration of all gangliosides decreased with age. All changes were more pronounced in younger ages. Results are discussed in relation to structural changes occurring in the aging brain, and the involvement of gangliosides is suggested.