Human glioma cells induce hyperexcitability in cortical networks

Purpose: Patients with gliomas frequently present with seizures, but the factors associated with seizure development are still poorly understood. In this study, we assessed peritumoral synaptic network activity in a glioma animal model and tested the contribution of aberrant glutamate release from gliomas on glioma-associated epileptic network activity. Methods: In vitro brain slices were made from glioma-implanted mice. Using extracellular field recordings, we analyzed peritumoral epileptiform activity induced by Mg2+-free medium in slices from tumor-bearing animals and sham-operated controls. We assessed the effect of sulfasalazine (SAS), a blocker of system x(c)(-) and glutamate release, on spontaneous and evoked activity in tumor-associated slices. Key Findings: Tumor-associated cortical networks were hyperexcitable. The onset latency of Mg2+-free-induced epileptiform activity was significantly shorter in tumor-bearing slices, and the incidence of Mg2+-free-induced ictal-like events was higher. Block of glutamate release from system x(c)(-) decreased the response area of evoked activity and completely blocked Mg2+-free-induced ictal-like, but not interictal-like events. Significance: Control of seizures in patients with gliomas is an essential component of clinical management; therefore, understanding the origin of seizures is vital. This work provides evidence that peritumoral synaptic network activity is disrupted by tumor masses resulting in network excitability. We show that blocking glutamate release via system x(c)(-) with SAS, a drug already approved by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), can inhibit Mg2+-free-induced ictal-like epileptiform events similar to other chemicals used to decrease seizure activity. We, therefore, suggest that further studies should consider SAS a promising agent to aid in the treatment of seizures associated with gliomas.