GD 3 and GM 2 synthase activities in rat testes during the period of sexual development

Activities of two key enzymes of gangliosides biosynthesis were determined in rat testes during development. GD 3 synthase activity was low and showed small variations with age. GM 2 synthase activity increased 10‐fold in testes from 10‐ to 30‐d‐old animals, showing a maximum activity at 30 d, followed by a small decrease until 45 d and then a constant activity up to adulthood. These developmental changes in the activity of both glycosyltransferases were related to the increasing complexity in the ganglioside pattern observed in rats testes during the period of sexual development.