Sex-specific difference of the galabiosylceramide level in the glycosphingolipids of human thyroid.
The glycosphingolipids of human thyroid were isolated and characterized by gas-liquid chromatography and sequential enzymic hydrolysis. The major purified components were identified as glucosyl- and galactosyl-ceramides, lactosyl- and galabiosylceramides, globotriaosyl- and globotetraosylceramides. The long-chain base analyses showed a high proportion of phytosphingosine in glycosylceramide and galabiosylceramide. Fatty acids in 22:0, 24:0, 24:1 prevailed, especially in the cerebroside fraction, with a significant content of alpha-hydroxylated species in galactosylceramide. Female thyroid had a very low content of galabiosylceramide and a higher content of glucosylceramide, as compared to male. No significant difference was found in the other neutral glycosphingolipids and gangliosides.
D002241:Carbohydrates / Q000032:analysis; D002554:Cerebrosides / Q000032:analysis*; D002849:Chromatography, Gas; D002855:Chromatography, Thin Layer; D003720:Densitometry; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006028:Glycosphingolipids / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000032:analysis*
D002241:Carbohydrates; D002554:Cerebrosides; D005227:Fatty Acids; D006028:Glycosphingolipids