Some functional consequences of chronic GM1 ganglioside administration in brain damaged rats.

Systemic injections of GM1 gangliosides can enhance behavioral recovery from brain damage as measured by a number of cognitive tasks. The functional recovery is not due to GM1-induced alterations in activity, emotional arousal, or heightened sensitivity to mild, noxious stimulation. In addition, the recovery endures long after all treatments are terminated. Although the specific actions by which GM1 treatments facilitate recovery are unknown, evidence does suggest that both anomalous sprouting and protection of neurons from secondary consequences of injury may be involved in the repair process.