During evolution, the increasing complexity of the mammalian central nervous system was accompanied by an ever-growing specialization of its lipid species. Indeed, lipids and lipid metabolism play an enormously important role in the structure and function of brain tissue, and thus brain health.
Average distribution of major classes of molecules in the human brain. Lipids account for more than 50% of human brain dry weight (McIlwain & H S Bachelard, 1985).
Certain lipid classes and even distinct lipid species are known to be enriched in specific cell types. For example, neurons and myelin contain high levels of cholesterol. Galactosylceramides, which belong to the hexosylceramides, are typically accumulating exclusively in the membrane of oligodendrocytes during myelination. Specific lipids are required for specific neural cells and their functions. Yet, many of these links remain to be discovered and understood.
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