Vascular Permeability and Cerebral Oedema in Experimental Brain Tumours

Abstract

Blood vessels play a crucial role in the development of tumours: they provide all the necessary nutrients essential for progressive growth. The process of angiogenesis, the formation of vascular abnormalities and the complex relationship which exists between blood vessels and the tumour tissue are of paramount importance for the understanding of tumour development, the delivery of therapeutic agents and the design of imaging techniques. Vascular pathophysiology is more ominous in tumours of the brain than in neoplasms of any other organ: the developing cerebral oedema is a life-threatening event which poses a considerable challenge to both neurosurgeons and neurologists. Therefore, investigations which may elucidate the mechanisms underlying the formation of cerebral oedema have not only theoretical importance, but also practical value.

The work reported in this paper was supported by the Wellcome Trust.