Abnormality of gangliosides in erythrocyte membranes of schizophrenic patients.

Abstract

The pattern of gangliosides in membranes of erythrocytes was examined in healthy donors, in acute schizophrenics without neuroleptic treatment and in alcohol-dependent patients. 7 different gangliosides could be detected. Healthy donors were characterized by the following ganglioside pattern: GX = 5.8%; GT1b = 6.7%; FucGD1b = 5.2%; GD1a = 12.6%, GD3 = 9.2%, SPG = 43.5%, and GM3 = 17.0%. In schizophrenic patients the GM3 and GD3 fractions were increased. No difference was found between the control group and the alcoholics.