PARENT SESSION
PW1 - Molecular/ Cellular Toxicology
Wednesday, 20 November 2002
8:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Exhibit Hall

(P716) Development of Assays for Lipophilic Contaminant Impact on Brain Tumor Proliferation and Apoptosis.

Rummer, Rebecca^*,1, Foran, Christy¹, ¹ West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA

ABSTRACT- Glioblastoma multiforme, the most aggressive form of primary brain tumor, is a malignancy known for its rapid progression. During tumor invasion, cellular necrosis degrades the brain's connective tissue, causing the release of any foreign contaminants stored within this tissue. Once liberated, certain environmental chemicals may effect the growth of surrounding tumor cells. This study compares the response of two glioblastoma cell lines which differ in their rate of growth, nuclear receptor composition, and response to inducers of cell proliferation and death. We have established protocols for the assessment of cell growth in these lines using epidermal growth factor. Sensitivity to inducers of apoptosis differ for the two cell lines; both respond to TNF-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) while only one cell line responds to staurosporine. These responses will form the basis for assessment of the impact of environmental contaminants likely to cross the blood-brain barrier and be stored in the brain, as well as tissue biomarkers for cell proliferation and death related to exposure.

Key words: estrogen, TUNEL, glioblastoma, blood-brain barrier