[Neutral glycosphingolipids in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells]

The structure of the neutral glycosphingolipids of the Ehrlich ascite carcinoma (EAC) cells was studied. The main four components were identified as glycosylceramide, lastosylceramide, N-acetylgalactosyllactosylceramide and galactosyl-N-acetyllactosylceramide (asialo-GM1). The neutral glycolipid pattern of the cells was found to depend on their density. Dilution of the cell suspension resulted in an increased content of asia-lo-GM1, whereas the content of the other neutral glycolipids remained unchanged. The possible connection between these changes and the earlier disclosed cell density dependence of the gangliosides in EAC cells is discussed.