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Biochemical markers of experimental and human brain tumors
Author(s) -
Pezzotta S.,
Racagni G.,
Fumagalli R.,
Bernini F.,
Galli G.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
international journal of developmental neuroscience
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.761
H-Index - 88
eISSN - 1873-474X
pISSN - 0736-5748
DOI - 10.1016/0736-5748(85)90121-2
Subject(s) - northern italy , citation , classics , art , history , library science , computer science , european union , business , economic policy
Tumor markers are substances which should vary in concentration and presence along with the growth of the neoplasia. The authors studied desmosterol, a precursor to colesterol, and a substance present during normal brain growth, but not in a mature brain. It is, however, found in experimental tumors and in human brain tumors. It has been shown that cerebra-spinal fluid (CSF) in patients with brain tumors, contains desmosterol. This test was used in early diagnosis of recurring brain tumors and as "monitor" in determining the effectiveness of radio-chemotherapy treatment. Cyclic nucleotides (CAMP and cGMP) reflect cell differentiation. Modification of CAMP concentration in nerve system tumors has been shown for glioblastomas in particular. In previous studies the authors have demonstrated that in the latency time of experimental tumors induced by ethylnitrosourea (ENU), adenylate cyclase is significantly higher, but decreases at full tumor development. A reduction in CAMP concentration was found in patients with malignant brain 'tumors as opposed to those patients with a normal neurological pathology.