Reversal of neurochemical aberrations after tumor resection in rats

Assessment of biochemical parameters in methylcholanthrene sarcoma-bearing rats 2 days after the onset of anorexia revealed several biochemical aberrations in blood and brain. Plasma levels of glucose were decreased and lactate concentrations were increased. The plasma and brain amino acid profiles were also greatly altered in these rats, characterized by increased brain concentrations of glutamine and large neutral amino acids. Analysis of regional neurotransmitter and metabolite levels by high-performance liquid chromatography suggested increases in the neuronal activity of dopamine and serotonin in each brain region examined. Surgical removal of the tumors in another group of anorectic tumor-bearing rats was followed by the return of normal feeding within 6 days. Associated with the normalization of food intake was the reversal of these biochemical aberrations in blood and brain. It is hypothesized that the utilization of glutamine and excretion of ammonia by tumor tissue is the precursor of these alterations in brain amino acids and neurotransmitters, which may be causing anorexia.