Glycolipid components of epimastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi

Glycosphingolipids were isolated from a lipid extract of epimastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi via Florisil and silicic acid column chromatography. The carbohydrate components of neutral glycolipid consisted of mannose and galactose in a ratio of 1:2. The fatty acids of the glycolipid were analyzed by gas liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (g.l.c.-m.s.). Normal and 2-hydroxy fatty acids were found. The sphingosine bases were C18 dihydrosphingosine and 17-methyl sphingosine.