Lactosylceramide (bovine buttermilk)

Lactosylceramide (LacCer) is an endogenous bioactive sphingolipid. It is expressed on the plasma membrane of human phagocytes and mediates phagocytosis, chemotaxis, and superoxide generation.{41044} LacCer forms membrane microdomains with Lyn kinase and the ?i subunits of inhibitory G protein-coupled receptors, suggesting a role in cell signaling. Elevated LacCer levels in kidney cortex homogenates and urine are directly correlated with hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and obesity in db/db transgenic diabetic mice.{41045} It promotes recruitment of CNS-infiltrating monocytes and microglia and enhances neurodegeneration in mice with chronic experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model of multiple sclerosis (MS).{27728} Increased levels of LacCer in atherosclerotic plaques are correlated with increased levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and macrophage inflammatory protein 1? (MIP-1?), as well as lipids and macrophages.{41046} LacCer is also upregulated during the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle.{41047} Lactosylceramide (bovine buttermilk) contains lactosylceramide molecular species with primarily C22:0, C23:0, and C24:0 fatty acyl chain lengths. As this product is derived from a natural source, there may be variations in the sphingoid backbone. [Matreya, LLC. Catalog No. 1507]