Biological Chemistry - Berezov T. T., Korovkin B. F. 1998
Nervous Tissue
Chemical Composition of the Brain
Lipids
Among the Cell/6.html">Chemical Components of the Brain, Lipids occupy a special place; their high content and specific nature impart distinct characteristics to brain tissue. The brain lipid group includes phosphoglycerides, Cholesterol, sphingomyelins, cerebrosides, gangliosides, and a very small amount of neutral fat (Table 19.2). Many lipids of the Nervous Tissue are closely associated with Proteins, forming complex systems such as proteolipids.
In the Gray matter of the brain, phosphoglycerides account for more than 60% of all lipids, whereas in the White matter they constitute about 40%. Conversely, the content of cholesterol, sphingomyelins, and particularly cerebrosides is higher in the white matter than in the gray matter.
Class="center">Table 19.2. Lipid Composition of nervous tissue
Gray matter |
White matter |
Myelin |
|
Total lipid content, % of dry weight |
32.7 |
54.9 |
70 |
As a percentage of total lipids
Cholesterol |
22.0 |
27.5 |
27.7 |
Cerebrosides |
5.4 |
19.8 |
22.7 |
Gangliosides |
1.7 |
5.4 |
3.8 |
Phosphatidylethanolamines |
22.7 |
14.9 |
15.6 |
Phosphatidylcholines |
26.7 |
12.8 |
11.2 |
Phosphatidylserines |
8.7 |
7.9 |
4.8 |
Phosphatidylinositols |
2.7 |
0.9 |
0.6 |
Plasmalogens |
8.8 |
11.2 |
12.3 |
Sphingomyelins |
6.9 |
7.7 |
7.9 |
Last update: 06/08/2026
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