The fatty acid composition of cerebrosides and sulfatides in a case of adult metachromatic leukodystrophy

Summary The fatty acid composition of cerebrosides and sulfatides in the white matter of a brain from a patient with adult MLD was analysed by gas-liquid chromatography and compared to the results obtained from a normal control of the same age. In adult MLD a relative increase of short chain fatty acids affecting mainly the cerebrosides and also a diminution of unsaturated fatty acids affecting mainly the sulfatides were found. The whole composition of the sulfatides was altered to a larger extent than of the cerebrosides and this result was in contrast to results obtained in infantile MLD. These findings were discussed on the basis of a similar enzymatic defect in both adult and infantile cases and with regard to a chronic demyelinating process.Dedicated with gratitude and affection to Prof. H. J. Bauer on the occasion of his 60th birthday.