[Expression of the neural cell adhesion molecule in human astrocytomas].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the expression of the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) in human astrocytomas, and evaluate the relationship between NCAM and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA).


METHODS
Forty-eight astrocytomas were studied by SP method with monoclonal antibody against NCAM and PCNA proteins.


RESULTS
All normal brain tissues expressed NCAM; NCAM expression was positive in Grade I-II glioma [95% (19/20)], Grade III glioma [38.9% (7/18)], Grade IV glioma [20% (2/10)] respectively. An inverse correlation was observed between the degree of NCAM expression and that of PCNA (r = -0.657, P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
NCAM is a down-regulated factor in the development of the malignancy of astrocytomas; and it is suggested that the reduced NCAM expression might be involved in the development of biological malignancy.
Huang
C X
CX
Department of Neurosurgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China.
Hu
S X
SX
Chen
B
B
D001254:Astrocytoma / Q000378:metabolism*; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D019006:Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D018809:Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics
D019006:Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules; D018809:Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen