Prenatal diagnosis of GM2-gangliosidosis. Immunofluorescence analysis of ganglioside GM2 in cultured amniocytes by confocal laser scanning microscopy.

A confocal laser scanning microscopic system was used to detect the storage of ganglioside GM2 in Tay-Sachs fibroblasts and amniocytes. The diagnosis of the disease was confirmed by counting immunoreactive cells or by digital imaging analysis. This novel system facilitates the prenatal diagnosis of GM2-gangliosidosis.