Neuronal nitric oxide synthase expression in glial tumors: correlation with malignancy and tumor proliferation

Abstract

Introduction: Increased vascular permeability, vasodilatation, neovascularization and free radical injury in malignant tumors and adjacent normal tissues are believed to be mediated by nitric oxide (NO). High levels of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) have been demonstrated in cultured and intracerebral cells. Our aim was to investigate nNOS expression in human glial tumors and to assess its correlation with the histologic grade and proliferative potential.