GLYCOLYTIC PROFILE IN NORMAL BRAIN-TISSUE AND GLIOMAS DETERMINED BY AMICROMETHOD ANALYSIS

High aerobic glycolysis is frequent in cancers. Glucose phosphorylatio n is under control of hexokinase which is found in the cytosol or boun d to mitochondria. Glycolysis parameters (glucose, pyruvate and lactat e) and hexokinase were evaluated in extracts of 15 human gliomas and o f normal brain tissue. Extracts were run and analysed for glucose lact ate and pyruvate content using a centrifugal automatic analyzer, Mitoc hondria fractions were separated from total extracts and hexokinase en zymatic activities were measured in both, using an original micro-meth od. Conditions of hexokinase assay were standardized in terms of subst rate concentration and linearity. Mean hexokinase activity in gliomas was variable, 3 times lower than in normal tissues and mainly bound to mitochondria, although lactate/pyruvate ratios were found to be 3.5 t o 5.4 times higher. Glycolytic profile of tumor tissues can be rapidly assayed and evalated glycolysis in tumors could constitute a basis fo r therapy using antiglycolytic strategies.