ABSTRACT
A glial location has been proposed for the non-adrenoceptor [3H]idazoxan binding site termed the I2-imidazoline receptor. The specific binding of [3H]idazoxan in the presence of (-)adrenaline was measured in membranes from excised human glioblastomas (n = 6), meningiomas (n = 6) and normal brains (n = 6). The pharmacological profile of the [3H]idazoxan binding in astrocytic tumours was similar to that in normal brain, compatible with the presence of I2-imidazoline receptors. There was a higher density of I2-imidazoline receptors in astrocytic tumours (Bmax = 266 +/- 18 fmol mg-1 protein; p < 0.001) than in normal brain (Bmax = 54 +/- 4 fmol mg-1 protein), with no differences in affinity values. Almost no [3H]idazoxan-specific binding was shown in meningiomas. The results suggest that I2-imidazoline receptors may be a selective marker for glial tumours in the evaluation of intracranial neoplasms.
Subject(s)
Brain Neoplasms/metabolism , Glioblastoma/metabolism , Idazoxan/metabolism , Receptors, Drug/metabolism , Aged , Brain Neoplasms/surgery , Case-Control Studies , Female , Glioblastoma/surgery , Humans , Imidazoline Receptors , Logistic Models , Male , Middle Aged , Postoperative Period , Radioligand AssayABSTRACT
Medical and social services are confronted with the increasing demands that our ageing society presents. Some patients (specially geriatric, chronically disabled and oncologic patients) pose multiple needs of social and medical care that very often are not met in a coordinated and comprehensive way. In this work authors present case management as a tool to achieve a better organization of social and medical resources in accordance with the demands of this growing part of the population.