Novel modification of glycosphingolipids by long-chain cyclic acetals: isolation and characterization of plasmalocerebroside from human brain

A study was conducted to isolate and characterize glycosphingolipids possessing long-chain cyclic acetals. The compound was found to use a unique type of natural glycan modification. 16:0, 18:0 and 18:1 fatty aldehydes were also observed to have been produced by the compound. The compound also exhibited a structure consistent with those of galactocerebroside having 3,4- and 4,6-linked cyclic plasma substituents.