Tissue reconstruction process in the area of peri-tumoural oedema caused by glioblastoma - immunohistochemical and graphical analysis using brain obtained at autopsy

Abstract

Background. In the area of peri-tumoural oedema, proteolytic agents derived from the tumour cause tissue degradation, which promotes tumour cell invasion. Method. We investigated the biological processes in the area of peri-tumoural oedema, using a brain obtained at autopsy from a patient who died from glioblastoma. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), c-myc, p53, paternally expressed gene-3 (PEG-3), transforming growth factor beta (TGFB), and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFA). The data were translated into colour graphics and the localization of these proteins was analyzed. Findings. In the area of peri-tumoural oedema, Ki-67 and p53 positive cells were observed with TGFB expression. Moreover, c-myc, PEG-3, VEGF, and TNFA were also expressed strongly in the glial cells or extra-cellular spaces in the area of peri-tumoural oedema. Interpretation. These data suggest that in the area of peri-tumoural oedema, tissue reconstruction processes take place with concomitant anti-tumour activities. The expression of c-myc, VEGF, and TNFA in the area of peri-tumoural oedema may indicate that these proteins are not utilized for tumour growth, but may be used to guard the brain against tumour invasion. Peri-tumoural oedema does not only indicate the tissue damage caused by tumour, but many tissue reconstruction processes take place in these areas against tumour cell invasion. © Springer-Verlag 2003.