[Glycolipids of rabbit spinal cord in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis]

Within the acute period of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, when the clinical picture was quite distinct, content of glycolipids was studied biochemically and histochemically in lumbar region of rabbit spinal cord. In this region the myelin degradation was the most distinct; content of glycolipids was decreased. Localization of the centers of decreased glycolipids content, determined histochemically, was similar to the localization of the zones of degraded myelin. The decrease in content of glycolipids was due to breakdown of cerebrosides but not sulphatides. Quantitative and qualitative composition of gangliosides was not altered in the spinal cord.