Sphingolipid composition and catabolism in human fetal tissues

Human fetal tissues derived from prostaglandin-induced abortuses (9--18 wk fertilization age) have been utilized to evaluate sphingolipid composition and catabolism. Sphingolipid composition (lipid-hexose, sulfatide, and lipid-bound NANA) was assessed in fetal brain. Sphingolipid catabolism was evaluated in fetal lung and brain through the measurement of relevant acid hydrolases (arylsulfatase A, beta-galactosidase, and hexosaminidase). During the fetal period studied, the parameters of sphingolipid composition revealed variability but no consistent pattern of change. Each acid hydrolase was readily detected. Enzyme specific activities revealed no variation during the 9 fetal wk studied. Cellulose acetate electrophoresis yielded the anticipated isoenzyme patterns for each acid hydrolase with little variation during the period of study. The compositional values support current concepts of cerebral development during this period of fetal life. Together with the catabolic analyses, these studies provide normative data relative to the assessment of metabolic abnormalities during this period of fetal development.