Brain tissue is characterized by a high lipid content in which there are 3 major classes:
neutral lipids, glycerophospholipids, and sphingolipids. 1 Since individual lipids, 2 except
cholesterol, have ester-linked fatty acids and ether-linked aldehydes, it is apparent that the
fatty acid pattern for precise areas of brain tissue would be an excellent screening procedure
for localized or generalized lipid disturbance. After the demonstration of any abnormal fatty
acid pattern, local intensive biochemical lipid studies could be initiated. Such a per cent …