Exogenous GM1 gangliosides protect against retrograde degeneration following posterior neocortex lesions in developing hamsters.

Developing and adult hamsters received unilateral neocortex aspiration lesions and were then treated daily with exogenous ganglioside (GM1, 30 mg/kg, i.p.). When lesions were made at the age of two weeks, GM1-treated animals had less shrinkage of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of the thalamus compared to controls. Although a similar observation was made in adults, the effect was not as striking. Thus, GM1-treatment reduces retrograde degeneration after neocortical lesions and this effect is most pronounced during early development.