Ganglioside GD1a antibodies, IgM

Gangliosides are a group of glycosphingolipids that contain a minimum of one molecule of sialic acid. Anti-ganglioside antibodies Are directed against gangliosides of the cytoplasmic membrane of of nerve cells. They bind to presynaptic gangliosides in the neuromuscular plate, myelin sheaths and constrictions of the Ranvier. Determination of antibodies is helpful in the diagnosis of disorders of the nervous system and provides information on the the subtype of neuropathy. IgM antibodies to ganglioside GD1a occur in multifocal motor neuropathy and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.