[Cerebrosides and sulfocerebrosides in the brain of insectivorous mammals].

Brain cerebrosides (C) and sulfocerebrosides (S) of Insectivora, which represent the most ancient and primitive order of placentary mammals, were first studied. The content of C and S is higher in hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus, E. auritus) and mole (Talpa europaea) brains as compared to shrew (Sorex araneus) brain. Hydroxy fatty acids predominate over normal fatty acids in C of all studied insectivora brains. The fatty acid content of C and S of the Insectivora brains is similar in being rich in palmitic, stearic and behenic normal acids and hydroxybehenic and hydroxylignocerinic acids. Hydroxy fatty acids of C and S are more saturated and they have a longer chain (sum C24-26 acids) than the normal acids. C and S of insectivora and primate brains are compared. The data may be of importance for the understanding of the biochemical evolution of the nervous system of mammals.