Immunoproteins in human brain tumor cyst fluids

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Abstract
Quantitation of the concentration of immunoproteins in serum and cystic fluids from 6 patients (3 with cerebral astrocytoma and 3 with cerebellar hemangioblastoma) was determined. The values for total protein, albumin, immunoproteins Ig[immunoglobulin]G, IgA and IgM and C3c (complement) in cyst fluid more closely correspond to serum than CSF values. Values for cyst fluid, CSF and serum were determined using albumin ratios to compare relative differences between fluids from these 3 compartments. The data suggest that the major protein content of brain tumor cyst fluid is consequential to a transudative process from serum and IgG and IgA are present in higher concentrations in human brain tumor cyst fluids in comparison to IgM concentrations. These studies further question the concept of the brain as an immunologically privileged site, and may be of direct relevance to the investigation of the use of immunotherapeutic modalities as an adjunct after surgical tumor removal.