Effect of recombinant human lipocortin I on brain oedema in a rat glioma model

Glucocorticoids have been extensively used to treat brain oedema, but little is known on the mechanisms of steroids in the prevention and resolution of tumour-induced brain oedema. Recently, the mechanism of steroid action is thought to involve synthesis of proteins with antiphospholipase activity called lipocortins. In a previous study, we have demonstrated the efficacy of dexamethasone (DEX) in resolving peritumoural oedema in a rat glioma model. Using the same model, we studied the effect of recombinant human lipocortin I on the resolution of peritumoural oedema. Intracerebral tumours were produced in 6-week-old Wistar rats by implantation of rat glioma C6 cells. In comparison with sham-operated controls, the tumour-implanted animals showed significant increase in the cortical water content, which was reduced by DEX administration to the level in the sham-operated controls. The water content within the tumour was also significantly decreased by DEX treatment. On the other hand, there was no difference in water content between lipocortin-treated and non-treated animals. These findings suggest that tumour-induced brain oedema can be reduced by DEX treatment but not by lipocortin. In conclusion, it is doubtful whether glucocorticoids exert their action in resolving brain oedema by inducing PLA2 inhibitory proteins named lipocortins.