Estramustine binding protein and anti-proliferative effect of estramustine in human glioma cell lines.

Four human cell lines derived from malignant gliomas were immunohistochemically examined for their content of estramustine-binding protein (EMBP). EMBP was detected in a large amount in all glioma cells during the entire cell cycle. EMBP has previously been demonstrated to be the major receptor protein in prostatic cancers for the cytostatic drug estramustine-phosphate (EMP). EMP caused a dose-dependent inhibition of exponentially growing cells by increasing the number of cells in G2/M stage of the cell cycle as monitored by flow cytofluorometry. The effect may be coupled to arrest of the glioma cells at metaphase. The presence of EMBP may suggest a selective binding and effect of EMP in glioma cells.