VCAM-1 EXPRESSION ON REACTIVE AND TUMOR ASTROCYTES

In our studies we used a monoclonal antibody recognizing the vascular adhesion molecule (VCAM-1). Tissue samples were collected at autopsy f rom human brain infarcts and from brain tumours, removed during surgic al procedure (Neurorological and Neurosurgical Clinic, Cracow). A nove l, unexpected finding were VCAM-1-positive fibrous astrocytes in the s troke tissue, and astrocyte-like cells in the tumours. No staining was obtained either in the contralateral hemisphere or outside of ischemi c areas. Likewise, no positive staining of cells was seen outside the tumour tissue. The above findings, taken together, strongly support th e concept that astrocytes take part in the immune defense during vario us pathological processes in the human brain.