GANGLIOSIDES IN HUMAN PALATAL ORAL EPITHELIUM

Gangliosides were analysed with biochemical methods. The total concentration of gangliosides, expressed as N-acetylneuraminic acid, was 75 nmoles per gram fresh weight. Ten separate gangliosides were revealed. The pattern was dominated by mono- and disialo-gangliosides, together amounting to 96 mole-per cent, and of which Gd3 was the greatest (24 mole-per cent). Gangliosides of plasma membranes have surface receptor functions, e.g. to entero- and staphylococcal toxins and myxovirus. From the relatively high content of gangliosides, oral epithelial gangliosides may contribute to the barrier function of the oral mucosa. © 1979.