Aims: 

It is well established that immune system plays important role in tumourigenesis. Based on functional interconnections between immune and nervous system, it is assumed that tumour progression might activate specific brain areas.

Methods: 

Using dual Fos/tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry we investigated whether advanced stadium of cancer induced by a single injection of 0.5 millions of BP6-TU2 fibrosarcoma cells to male Wistar rats may affect the activity of the brainstem noradrenergic (NA) neurons. Our intent was also to consider whether the process of tumourigenesis may sensitize the brainstem NA neurons in rats exposed to an immobilization (IMO) stress.

Results: 

We found that in tumour bearing rats sacrificed 28 days after the initiation of the tumourigenesis only A2 and in less extent A1 NA cells showed presence of Fos protein in their perikarya. However, effect of 60 min IMO on Fos expression in the brainstem NA cell groups of tumour bearing rats did not differ from controls.

Conclusion: 

Our data indicate that advanced tumorigenesis has only moderate but targeted impact on the activity of brainstem NA cell groups. In addition, tumour bearing animals did not show signs of altered sensitivity to strong physical stimulus. Our findings support the hypothesis that the brain is informed about the progression of the peripheral cancer.