The [P.sup.k] phenotype results from an inability to synthesize globoside from globotriaosyl ceramide, whose concentration is increased in [P.sup.k] erythrocytes.
Another surprising observation was that marked abnormalities in the GSL content of [P.sup.k] and p erythrocytes, especially the absence of globoside, the most abundant GSL, did not appear to affect the structure or function of the cells.
The major neutral GSLs of tonsil lymphocytes are glucosyl ceramide, lactosyl ceramide, trihexasoyl ceramide and globoside. (40) Compared to tonsil cells, thymocytes and peripheral blood lymphocytes contain more glucosyl and lactosyl ceramide, only trace amounts of trihexaosyl ceramide and globoside, and larger amounts of more complex neutral GSLs.
The most abundant neutral GSLs are glucosyl and galactosyl ceramides, and globoside, the most abundant GSL of mature erythrocytes, was not detected.
We used rabbit antibodies to lactosyl ceramide and globoside to study their distribution in human tissues by immunofluorescence.
The total cell content of globoside was decreased by 30% but its cell surface expression was decreased 3-4 fold.
We noted previously that globoside and [G.sub.M3] ganglioside were present intracellularly in HUVECs.
To determine the generality of our observations that globoside colocalizes intracellularly with intermediate filaments, and that its localization is modulated by IFN-gamma, we analyzed a variety of cell types.
(1979) Reaction of antibodies that cause paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria with globoside and Forssman glyco-sphingolipids.
(1981) Immunochemical relationship between Forssman and globoside glycolipids.
