Element distribution is altered in a zone surrounding human glioblastoma multiforme.

Recent data indicate that A(1) adenosine receptor (A(1)AR) density is increased in a zone surrounding human and experimental gliomas. On the contrary, tumor tissue and adjacent brain tissue show low to intermediate A(1)AR densities. In order to assess whether changes in A(1)AR expression are indicating further processes of a chemical reorganization of the peritumoral zone, we investigated element concentrations and distribution patterns of copper and zinc in six human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) specimens by laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Uranium and lead were used as external standards. Copper and zinc levels were increased in a peritumoral zone corresponding to the region of elevated A(1)AR density. They showed a lower density in the solid tumor in comparison to surrounding brain tissue, although the cellular density was higher within GBM. Our findings suggest that the immediate vicinity of GBM is characterized by increased levels of copper and zinc supporting the view that higher A(1)AR density surrounding GBM is not an isolated alteration of peritumoral tissue but an indicator of complex changes in the vicinity of infiltrative tumors. Further research is needed to explore the pathophysiological consequences of altered peritumoral element distribution.