[Sphingolipid storage disease as an example of a molecular neuropathology (author's transl)]

A short survey on the sphingolipid storage diseases is presented. The chemical nature of the accumulated substances is related to the genetically induced enzymic blocks on their biodegradation. Two disorders are stressed with alter the nervous system: metachromatic leukodystrophy and familiar infantile amaurotic idiocy (GM2-gangliosidosis). The difficulties in the causal interpretation of three variants of the latter disease due to the involvement of isoenzymes are dealt with. The relationship between the enzyme defect in these disorders and their time of clinical onset is discussed. Finally, the diagnostic possibilities are presented which are a prerequisite for preventing a further dissemination of these therapy-resistent inborn errors of metabolism.