Glutamate release promotes growth of malignant gliomas

Citation
T. Takano et al., Glutamate release promotes growth of malignant gliomas, NAT MED, 7(9), 2001, pp. 1010-1015
Citations number
44
Language
INGLESE
art.tipo
Article
Categorie Soggetti
Research/Laboratory Medicine & Medical Tecnology","Medical Research General Topics
Journal title
NATURE MEDICINE
ISSN journal
1078-8956 → ACNP
Volume
7
Issue
9
Year of publication
2001
Pages
1010 - 1015
Database
ISI
SICI code
1078-8956(200109)7:9<1010:GRPGOM>2.0.ZU;2-#
Abstract
Glutamate neurotoxicity has been implicated in stroke, head trauma, multipl e sclerosis and neurodegenerative diseases. Although recent data show that cultured glioma cells secrete glutamate, the growth potential of brain tumo rs has not yet been linked to an excitotoxic mechanism. Using bioluminescen ce detection of glutamate release from freshly prepared brain slices, we sh ow that implanted glioma cells continue to secrete glutamate. Moreover, gli omas with high glutamate release have a distinct growth advantage in host b rain that is not present in vitro. Treatment with the NMDA receptor antagon ists MK801 or memantine slowed the growth of glutamate-secreting tumors in situ, suggesting that activation of NMDA receptors facilitates tumor expans ion. These findings support a new approach for therapy of brain tumors, bas ed upon antagonizing glutamate secretion or its target receptors.