Partial characterization of a soluble mitogenic factor from medulloblastoma

• Published in: Journal of neurosurgery Vol. 68; no. 2; p. 251
• Main Authors: Rutka, J T, Hall, J, Giblin, J R, Dougherty, D V, Edwards, M S, Stern, R, Rosenblum, M L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.02.1988
• Subjects: Cell Division; Cell Line; Cells, Cultured; Child; Collagen - biosynthesis; Culture Media; Female; Growth Substances - analysis; Humans; Male; Medulloblastoma - physiopathology; Meninges - cytology; Meninges - metabolism; Meninges - physiopathology; Middle Aged
• ISSN: 0022-3085
• DOI: 10.3171/jns.1988.68.2.0251

To determine how medulloblastoma cells might influence the proliferation and phenotype of normal stromal cells, normal human leptomeningeal cells were treated in culture with medulloblastoma-conditioned medium; their ability to incorporate tritiated thymidine and synthesize collagen was measured. The treated leptomeningeal cells had a significantly greater uptake of tritiated thymidine and grew faster than control leptomeningeal cells. Immunofluorescence studies demonstrated a greater intensity of staining for procollagen type III in the cell layer of the treated cultures than in control cultures; diethylaminoethyl (DEAE)-cellulose chromatography of the medium showed that the treated cells synthesized predominantly type III collagen, whereas control cells synthesized type I collagen. Analysis of the medulloblastoma-conditioned medium revealed that the soluble factor responsible for these effects in an acid- and heat-stable protein. The increased proliferation and altered collagen synthesis induced in leptomeningeal cell cultures by a soluble factor from a medulloblastoma are examples of how tumor and stromal elements interact, and may be related to the process of desmoplasia often observed in medulloblastomas in vivo.