[Gangliosides as neurobiochemical markers]

Gangliosides are primary brain membrane lipids which, due to their localization, present specific markers of certain nerve cells. Their structure and content is tightly connected with cytogenesis and histogenesis of brain in mammals. Their biologic function, at the surface of the neurons' membrane, is important for bioelectric neuronal activity and synaptic transmission. Apart from that, gangliosides are important as receptors of bacterial toxins. Effects that gangliosides may have on dendrites' and axons' growth have been studies and it can be concluded that they have a significant impact on recovery of ischemic brain lesions. They are also important therapeutic and diagnostic markers of certain malignant tumors. The most valuable results are expected in future by examination of gangliosides metabolism in neurologic diseases by application of cell cultures.