Sialosylgalactosylceramide (GM4) is a major ganglioside in chicken embryonic liver.

The developmental changes in gangliosides of chicken liver were investigated during embryonic and neonatal life. Sialosylgalactosylceramide (GM4) and sialosyllactosylceramide (GM3) were major gangliosides during the entire period investigated. Sialosylgalactosylceramide (GM4) was detected as the predominant species until 2 days before hatching and then GM3 increased to be the major sialoglycolipid. GM4 continued to be detectable until at least 2 weeks after hatching. Monogalactosylceramide was detected as the major neutral glycolipid. The fatty acids obtained from monogalactosylceramide showed a similar pattern to that of GM4.