Objective: To investigate the expression of the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) in human astrocytomas, and evaluate the relationship between NCAM and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA).
Methods: Forty-eight astrocytomas were studied by SP method with monoclonal antibody against NCAM and PCNA proteins.
Results: All normal brain tissues expressed NCAM; NCAM expression was positive in Grade I-II glioma [95% (19/20)], Grade III glioma [38.9% (7/18)], Grade IV glioma [20% (2/10)] respectively. An inverse correlation was observed between the degree of NCAM expression and that of PCNA (r = -0.657, P < 0.05).
Conclusion: NCAM is a down-regulated factor in the development of the malignancy of astrocytomas; and it is suggested that the reduced NCAM expression might be involved in the development of biological malignancy.