Increased globotriaosylceramide in familial dysautonomia |
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Authors: | Paula Strasberg Herman Yeger Irene Warren |
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Affiliation: | (1) Department of Neurosciences the Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children 555 University Avenue, Room 9146C, M5G 1X8 Toronto, Ontario, Canada;(2) Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto;(3) Department of Pathology, The Hospital for Sick Children, M5G 1X8 Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
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Abstract: | Familial Dysautonomia (FD) is an autosomal recessive disease of unknown etiology, occurring primarily in Ashkenazi Jews. Patients
are neurologically impaired, with deficits primarily in autonomic and sensory functions. The biochemical and genetic defects
have remained elusive, precluding carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis. High-performance liquid chromatography data indicated
up to a threefold increase in the neutral glycosphingolipid globotriaosylceramide in Dysautonomic fibroblasts and lymphoblasts.
Total ganglioside values, measured by colorimetric, fluorometric or specific sodium borohydride incorporation, were decreased.
Affected fibroblasts exhibited a range of pleomorphic phenotypes, such that the usual swirl-like confluent growth pattern
of normal fibroblasts was distorted to varying degrees, suggesting abnormalities in the FD plasma membrane, possibly affecting
cell-cell contacts. The glycosphingolipid increase could not be accounted for on the basis of markedly decreased α-galactosidase
activity, as in Fabry's disease, where patients also display decreased autonomic function. |
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