Gangliosides in rabbit and human skeletal muscle with denervation atrophy.

In experimental denervation of rabbit skeletal muscle, an increase of gangliosides has been reported. Ganglioside, DNA, total lipid and protein levels were studied in experimental denervation of rabbit gastrocnemius muscle and in human skeletal muscle with denervation atrophy. In severe human denervation atrophy total ganglioside, DNA and total lipid levels were increased, and protein levels decreased as compared with controls. The ganglioside pattern was changed in severe human denervation atrophy and showed a significant increase of a GT1b-like and moderate decrease of a GM1-like compound. Findings in experimentally denervated rabbit muscle resembled results obtained in human denervation atrophy, showing a significant increase of total ganglioside levels as well as a moderate increase of GT1b-like and decrease of GM1-like compounds.