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Benzodiazepine receptors and diazepam-binding inhibitor in human cerebral tumors
C Ferrarese1, I Appollonio, M Frigo
1Neurological Clinic, University of Milan, Monza, Italy.
Abstract:
Benzodiazepines can regulate neoplastic growth and immune response through specific peripheral benzodiazepine receptors. We investigated the presence of peripheral and classic central benzodiazepine receptors as well as diazepam-binding inhibitor, an endogenous ligand of both types of receptors, in different human cerebral tumors. Peripheral benzodiazepine receptors were present in all the tumor types studied, whereas central benzodiazepine receptors and diazepam-binding inhibitor were detectable in astrocytomas and glioblastomas and undetectable in meningiomas, neurinomas, and metastases. The role of diazepam-binding inhibitor and of the different benzodiazepine receptors in neoplastic cells is still to be defined.
Insights
Benzodiazepines impact brain tumor growth via specific receptors. Peripheral benzodiazepine receptors are common in tumors, while central receptors and diazepam-binding inhibitor are found mainly in aggressive astrocytomas and glioblastomas.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Molecular biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Benzodiazepines modulate neoplastic growth and immune responses.
- These effects are mediated by specific peripheral benzodiazepine receptors.
- The role of benzodiazepine receptors in human brain tumors is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and distribution of peripheral and central benzodiazepine receptors.
- To examine the expression of diazepam-binding inhibitor (DBI), an endogenous ligand for these receptors, in human cerebral tumors.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of human cerebral tumor samples.
- Detection of peripheral benzodiazepine receptors.
- Detection of classic central benzodiazepine receptors and diazepam-binding inhibitor.
Main Results:
- Peripheral benzodiazepine receptors were detected in all investigated human cerebral tumor types.
- Central benzodiazepine receptors and diazepam-binding inhibitor were found in astrocytomas and glioblastomas.
- These receptors and DBI were undetectable in meningiomas, neurinomas, and metastases.
Conclusions:
- Peripheral benzodiazepine receptors are ubiquitously expressed in human brain tumors.
- Central benzodiazepine receptors and DBI show differential expression patterns, being present in higher-grade gliomas.
- The specific roles of DBI and benzodiazepine receptors in neoplastic cells require further investigation.