The effect of topical CCNU(1-(2-chloroethyl)-3 cyclohexyl 1 nitrosurea) treatment on lipid peroxidation of glial tumours transplanted on rat brain.

1. The effect of topical CCNU treatment on lipid peroxidation of glial tumors transplanted on rat brain has been investigated in 22 rats. 2. Four groups have been selected as normal brain tissue, normal brain tissue+CCNU, tumour tissue, tumour tissue+CCNU. In these groups malondialdehyde (MDA) levels have been measured as a marker of lipid peroxidation. 3. Lipid peroxidation was high in tumour tissue in respect to controls (P < 0.05). In normal tissues topical CCNU treatment caused increase in lipid peroxidation (P < 0.05). In tumor tissues, topical CCNU decreased lipid peroxidation (P < 0.05). It is concluded that further studies have to be performed in order to determine whether increases in lipid peroxidation on CCNU treated normal brain tissues is a result of the inhibitory effect on cellular defence systems or promotion of free radical production.