Oxygen free radicals in the genesis of peritumoural brain oedema in experimental malignant brain tumours.

Disruption of blood brain barrier with increased vascular permeability is associated with genesis of peritumoural oedema. Oxygen free radicals play a role in increased vascular permeability. Recent studies have suggested that tumour cells can produce superoxide radicals and free radical scavengers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase in tumour cells are impaired. In this study, we investigated the role of oxygen free radicals in the genesis of peritumoural brain oedema in experimental malignant brain tumours using V x 2 carcinoma cells and 9L glioma cells. In vitro data indicate that the V x 2 carcinoma cell and the 9L glioma cells produce superoxide radicals detected by nitroblue tetrazolium. Electron spin resonance spectroscopy using DMPO as a spin trap demonstrated that SOD activity was significantly lower in subcutaneous larger 9L glioma tumours than in normal brains and 9L glioma brain tumours. In the subcutaneous tumours, SOD activity was lower in the central portion of the tumour than in the peripheral portion of the tumour. In conclusion, we are not sure whether oxygen free radicals are major causative factors of peritumoural brain oedema, but the demonstration of oxygen free radicals in brain tumour cells needs further investigation.