Expression of PDGF and PDGF receptors in human astrocytoma operation specimens supports the existence of an autocrine loop.
Established cell lines derived from human malignant astrocytomas typically express a combination of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and PDGF receptor which could form an autocrine loop. In this study, we screened for the essential components of a PDGF autocrine loop in fresh surgical isolates of human astrocytomas, using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical techniques. Eight malignant astrocytomas (6 glioblastomas and 2 anaplastic astrocytomas), 5 low-grade astrocytomas and 4 non-neoplastic glial specimens (mesial temporal sclerosis) were evaluated. Malignant astrocytomas, and to a lesser extent low-grade astrocytomas, expressed more PDGF-A and PDGF-B than non-neoplastic glia. PDGF-alpha-receptor expression was elevated both in malignant and in low-grade astrocytomas. These data support the argument that PDGF autocrine loops contribute to the unregulated growth of human astrocytomas. Expression of PDGF and PDGF receptor in low-grade astrocytomas suggests that activation of PDGF autocrine loops may be an early event in the pathogenesis of malignant astrocytomas.
Guha
A
A
Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
Dashner
K
K
Black
P M
PM
Wagner
J A
JA
Stiles
C D
CD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001254:Astrocytoma / Q000737:chemistry*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015321:Gene Rearrangement; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / Q000032:analysis*; D017479:Receptors, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics
D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor; D017479:Receptors, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor