Detection of glycosaminoglycans in human gliomas by histochemical methods

Sulphatized mucopolysaccharides or glycosaminoglycans (GAG) were examined by histochemical methods in biopsy specimens of 69 human cerebral gliomas. The intensity of cell-surface associated GAGs, particularly of the -SO3-groups, was highest in isomorphic oligodendrogliomas and astrocytomas except for pilocytic forms. It showed progressive decrease with increasing degree of anaplasia of these tumors. Anaplastic gliomas only rarely show a very weak reaction for -SO3-groups which was completely absent in glioblastomas, where GAGs are only found in blood vessel walls and mesenchymal stroma. In accordance with observations in experimental gliomas, the rapid loss of membrane-associated GAGs in anaplastic gliomas is considered to indicate a progressive cellular dedifferentiation of glial cells due to hitherto unknown metabolic changes.