Journal of clinical neuroscience : official journal of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia
-
A subset of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVM) cannot be treated using today's treatment paradigms. Novel therapies may be developed, however, as the underlying pathophysiology of these lesions becomes better understood. Endothelial cells (EC) are the subject of new biological therapies, such as radiosensitisation and vascular targeting. ⋯ Leucocyte and platelet adherence is increased for several days post-irradiation due to increased E-selectin and P-selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression. ET-1 is highly expressed in irradiated AVM EC. Radiosurgery produces local radiation-induced changes in EC, which may allow these changes to be harnessed in conjunction with other techniques such as vascular targeting.