What is it about?
This study demonstrated CSF profiles of neutral glycolipids, especially glucosylceramide determined by our new assay method employing HILIC-ESI-MS/MS and alos of active complement C5 fragment, C5a with ELISA assay method. The data revealed for the first time that central innate immunity was significantly downregulated and no accumulation of glucosylceramide in PD CSF. We found, however, that significant correlation of certain species of glucosylceramide with CSF C5a. These data strongly suggest that central innate immunity and oligodendrocytes might be involved in PD patients.
Why is it important?
This is the first indication of the impairment of central complement system and of normal glucosylceramide metabolism in CSF from PD patients. Moreover, this study reported glucosylceramide levels in human CSF for the first time.