[Expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 in astrocytic tumors and anti-tumor effects of selective COX-2 inhibitors].

: Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 of astrocytic tumors was studied by immunohistochemistry. COX-2 was expressed in 8 of 12 (75%) glioblastoma multiforme, 1 of 7 (14%) anaplastic astrocytoma, but none in astrocytoma. COX-2 was detected by an immnoblotting in 2 of 9 human glioblastoma cell lines (KNS42 and U138). In glioblastoma cell lines, NS398 and Etodolac inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. The result showed that COX-2 expression may be related with histological grades and COX-2 inhibitors will be one of promising therapeutic tools in human astrocytic tumors.