Correlation between the Lactose Content of Milk and the Cerebroside and Choline Content of Brain

Abstract

Data are presented on the relation between choline and galactose content in dry brains of the rabbit, guinea pig, cow, horse, mule, rat, dog, pig, mouse, and the lactose levels in the milks of the respective species. The relation is given by the . equation Dry Brain Choline, mg. = 96.8 + 1.69 (milk lactose, %); and Dry Brain Galactose, mg. = 2.17 + 5.89 (milk lactose, %). It is suggested that the sphingosine base can reversibly take up galactose or choline phosphoric acid to form cerebro-sides or sphingomyelins and, thus, cerebrosides may function as choline sparers.