The role of neurotransmitters in glioblastoma multiforme‐associated seizures

• Published in: International journal of developmental neuroscience Vol. 83; no. 8; pp. 677 - 690
• Main Authors: Joghataei, Mohammad Taghi, Bakhtiarzadeh, Fatemeh, Dehghan, Samaneh, Ketabforoush, Arsh Haj Mohamad Ebrahim, Golab, Fereshteh, Zarbakhsh, Sam, Ahmadirad, Nooshin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-12-2023
• Subjects: brain tumor; glioblastoma multiforme; neuromodulator; neurotransmitter; seizure; glioblastoma multiforme; brain tumor; seizure; neurotransmitter; neuromodulator
• ISSN: 0736-5748; 1873-474X
• DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10294

GBM, or glioblastoma multiforme, is a brain tumor that poses a great threat to both children and adults, being the primary cause of death related to brain tumors. GBM is often associated with epilepsy, which can be debilitating. Seizures and the development of epilepsy are the primary symptoms that have a severe impact on the quality of life for GBM patients. It is increasingly apparent that the nervous system plays an essential role in the tumor microenvironment for all cancer types, including GBM. In recent years, there has been a growing understanding of how neurotransmitters control the progression of gliomas. Evidence suggests that neurotransmitters and neuromodulators found in the tumor microenvironment play crucial roles in the excitability, proliferation, quiescence, and differentiation of neurons, glial cells, and neural stem cells. The involvement of neurotransmitters appears to play a significant role in various stages of GBM. In this review, the focus is on presenting updated knowledge and emerging ideas regarding the interplay between neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, such as glutamate, GABA, norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, adenosine, and their relationship with GBM and the seizures induced by this condition. The review aims to explore the current understanding and provide new insights into the complex interactions between these neurotransmitters and neuromodulators in the context of GBM‐related seizures.
Glutamate increase and GABA decrease in the tumor microenvironment with changes in calcium release affecting the invasion and proliferation of glioma cells.