Antibodies to glycosphingolipid antigens in patients with immune-mediated cochleovestibular disorders

Hypothesis: To determine the presence of antibodies against the glycosphingolipid antigen sulfated glucuronic lactosominyl paragloboside (SGLPG) in the sera of patients suspected of immune-mediated cochleovestibular disorders (IMCVD). Background: Glycospingolipids are molecules present on the surface of normal nerve cells and are considered antigenic. Previous studies have isolated these antigens in vestibular neuroepithelia, cochleovestibular nerves and endolymphatic sacs. Methods:The sera of 22 patients suspected of IMCVD were tested for antibodies against the antigen SGLPG. Thin-layer chromatography-immunostaining method was used. Results: Antibody titers were elevated in 63.6% of patients tested. Statistical significance (p < 0.0001) was achieved since reactivity was seen in only 7% of 43 age-matched healthy controls. Conclusions: Antibodies to SGLPG antigens are present in some patients with IMCVD. Because SGLPD antigens have been previously isolated in the inner ear and the cochleovestibular nerve, these structures can potentially become targets for anti-SGLPG antibodies.