Characterization of normal brain-reactive antibodies in glioma cyst fluids

Anti-normal brain antibodies were studied in glioma cyst fluids. Cyst fluids were obtained by stereotaxic puncture from 34 patients with cystic gliomas. Immunoglobulins were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, immuno-Western blotting, concentration measures, and isoelectrofocalization. 80% of cyst fluids stained astrocytes and/or microvessels in non-tumoral white matter. In white matter extracts, cyst fluids recognized five immunoreactive bands having apparent molecular masses of 50–75 kDa. Although cyst proteins could be of systemic origin, isoelectrofocalization analysis suggests an additional local immune response. These antibody activities could be involved in certain peritumoral events such as brain edema.