[A simple method for the isolation of GFAP and its use for the study of brain tumors]

A simple method is described in this paper for the production of a polyclonal antiserum against GFAP. The antiserum was tested on 212 primary brain tumours which had been selected from biopsy and autopsy material of the Institute of Pathological Anatomy at the Medical Academy of Erfurt, GDR. 52 of 81 astrocytomas (64%) and 26 of 47 glioblastomas (55%) gave GFAP-positive results. GFAP-negative responses were primarily recorded from tumours with severe anaplasia. GFAP was found in all 22 ependymomas tested. Epithelioid ependymomas, however, exhibited lower immunological reactions than tanycytic variants. Isomorphic oligodendrogliomas, meningiomas, medulloblastomas, and brain metastases of carcinomas were GFAP-negative. The possibility is discussed in some detail of falsely negative results on account of too little biopsy material or insufficient fixation of tumour tissue.