[Gangliosides and antibodies to gangliosides in blood serum]

The concentration and composition of gangliosides from normal and pathological blood serum of animals and man are reviewed. Data concerning the elevation of the ganglioside content in the serum under malignization are summarized. The appearance of ganglioside-specific antibodies in some pathological states is described. The possible influence of changes in the serum ganglioside content and composition on immunity is discussed.