Neurons Structure and Cytokine Expression after Lithium Carbonate Treatment on Melanoma Mice Model

Tumor-produced pro-inflammatory cytokines and toxic substances passing through the blood-brain barrier can cause disturbances of brain homeostasis and neuronal damage. Correction of brain homeostasis under peripheral tumor growth conditions is an important task. In the present study, a cytokine expression in the brain and ultrastructural features of the prefrontal cortex pyramidal neurons in animals with skin melanoma and after lithium carbonate treatment were detected by PCR analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and immunohistochemical staining. The low expression levels of the neurotrophic factor BDNF and an increase expression of colony-stimulating factors G-CSF and GM-CSF were noted in animals with skin melanoma. At the same time, as welling of mitochondria, inner mitochondrial membrane damage and dilated endoplasmic reticulum were revealed in the prefrontal cortex neurons. Furthermore, the predominance of autophagosomes was revealed under peripheral tumor growth conditions. Lithium carbonate administration had a corrective effect on the cytokine expression in the brain and the ultrastructure of the prefrontal cortex neurons in animals with skin melanoma.