Immunohistochemical comparison of chromogranins A and B and secretogranin II with calcitonin and calcitonin gene-related peptide expression in normal, hyperplastic and neoplastic C-cells of the human thyroid.
Normal and hyperplastic thyroid C-cells and 14 cases of medullary thyroid carcinoma were investigated immunohistochemically with antibodies against chromogranins A and B, secretogranin II, calcitonin and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Normal and hyperplastic C-cells showed strong calcitonin and chromogranin A immunoreactivity whereas CGRP, chromogranin B and secretogranin II expression was less intense. Strong calcitonin and chromogranin A immunoreactivity was also found in the majority of tumour cells in medullary thyroid carcinoma. The CGRP, chromogranin B and secretogranin II staining observed was present in variable patterns. In some cases CGRP, chromogranin B and secretogranin II could only be demonstrated in isolated tumour cells with elongated processes suggestive of neuronal differentiation of these cells. The biological function(s) of the chromogranins/secretogranins remain(s) still unclear. There is evidence that these proteins are pro-peptides which give rise to functionally active compounds. Studies on normal C-cells and medullary thyroid carcinoma may elucidate the role of chromogranins/secretogranins in endocrine and neuronal cells.
Department of Pathology, University of Münster, Germany.
K W
KW
Schmid
R
R
Kirchmair
D
D
Ladurner
R
R
Fischer-Colbrie
W
W
Böcker
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000682:Amyloid / Q000032:analysis; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis*; D002116:Calcitonin / Q000032:analysis; D015740:Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide / Q000032:analysis; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology; D053379:Chromogranin A; D002864:Chromogranins / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006965:Hyperplasia; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009377:Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology; D011506:Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology*; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology
D000682:Amyloid; D015415:Biomarkers; D053379:Chromogranin A; D002864:Chromogranins; D011506:Proteins; D002116:Calcitonin; D015740:Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide