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Glioma cell influence on cerebral endothelial cell Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase
D W Beck1, E C Dunbar, M M Poor
1Division of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242.
Advances in Neurology
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Malignant astrocytoma cells, unlike normal astrocytes, increase Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity in brain endothelial cells. Corticosteroids reduce this activity, suggesting a mechanism for reducing brain edema in gliomas.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Astrocytes play a role in regulating brain function.
- Malignant gliomas are associated with significant brain edema.
- The Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase is crucial for maintaining cell volume and ion homeostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of astrocytes and malignant astrocytoma cells on Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity in cerebral endothelial cells.
- To determine the influence of corticosteroids on this activity in co-cultured cells.
- To elucidate the role of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase in glioma-associated brain edema.
Main Methods:
- In vitro co-culture of astrocytes and malignant astrocytoma cells with cerebral endothelial cells.
- Measurement of ouabain-sensitive Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity.
- Assessment of corticosteroid inhibition of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity.
Main Results:
- Normal astrocytes did not alter Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity in cerebral endothelial cells.
- Malignant astrocytoma cells significantly enhanced ouabain-sensitive Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity in co-cultured cerebral endothelial cells.
- Corticosteroids inhibited Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity in co-cultured cells to a similar extent as ouabain.
Conclusions:
- Increased Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity at the blood-brain barrier may contribute to brain edema in malignant glioma.
- Corticosteroids may reduce glioma-associated brain edema by inhibiting Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity.