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Endothelial cell marker PAL-E reactivity in brain tumor, developing brain, and brain disease
S Leenstra1, D Troost, P K Das
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Cancer
|November 15, 1993
Summary
The endothelial cell marker PAL-E is reactive in brain tumors but not normal brain vessels. This finding suggests PAL-E may help differentiate tumor vasculature from normal brain vasculature.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- The endothelial cell marker PAL-E does not react with vessels in the normal brain.
- This study investigates PAL-E reactivity in brain tumors compared to normal brain and nonneoplastic conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of the PAL-E marker in brain tumors.
- To compare PAL-E reactivity in neoplastic versus nonneoplastic brain tissues.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical analysis of 122 specimens, including brain tumors, nonneoplastic brain disease, and normal/fetal brain.
- Utilized a panel of endothelial cell markers to detect PAL-E reactive vessels.
Main Results:
- PAL-E reactivity observed in all glioblastoma multiforme, 75% of anaplastic astrocytoma, and 46% of astrocytoma cases.
- Reactivity was also present in developmental conditions like primitive tumors and vascular malformations.
- Strong reactivity in the developing brain and areas lacking a blood-brain barrier suggests a link to barrier development.
Conclusions:
- PAL-E is unique among tested markers for its lack of reactivity in normal brain endothelium with an intact blood-brain barrier.
- PAL-E shows reactivity in most primary and metastatic brain tumors, indicating potential diagnostic value.
- PAL-E reactivity in tumors is likely associated with angiogenesis and altered blood-tumor barrier properties.