AIM: To investigate the presence of Sur1-Trpm4 receptors in high-grade glial tumors, and their relationship with edema volumes in preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences.

MATERIAL and METHODS: MRI sections were extracted from T1-weighted (T1W) and T2-weighted (T2W) sequences and fluidattenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images. After that, T1W 3D magnetization-prepared rapid gradient echo (MP-RAGE) sequences were taken with and without contrast medium. Tumor and peritumoral edema volumes were calculated in cubic centimeters. Sur1- Trpm4 receptors were studied by immunohistochemical examination of tissue samples. Relationships between data were analyzed using Spearman?s correlation coefficient.

RESULTS: In the immunohistochemical examinations, 58% of the samples from patients with high-grade glial tumors were positive for Sur1 and 74% were positive for Trpm4. The volume of tumors was correlated with the volume of peritumoral edema.

CONCLUSION: The presence of the Sur1-Trpm4 receptor complex in high-grade glial tumors was confirmed. Further preclinical or clinical studies are required to identify and validate the role of Sur1-Trpm4 in glial tumor subgroups.