Neuroendocrine features of adrenal pheochromocytomas: histological and immunocytochemical evaluation.
Neuroendocrine features of 30 surgically removed adrenal pheochromocytomas were evaluated combining conventional histochemistry and immunocytology. The reactivity for neuron-specific enolase (NSE), S-100 protein, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), calcitonin and ACTH was tested according to the peroxidase anti-peroxidase (PAP) method using polyclonal antibodies. The neuroendocrine marker NSE was found in all cases. S-100 protein was present in satellite cells in 11 (36.6%) tumors. Rare immunoreactive cells for somatostatin were found in 16 (53.3%), for VIP in 8 (26.6%), for calcitonin in 7 (23%), and for ACTH in 3 (10%) cases. Our results proved the histological and functional heterogeneity of pheochromocytomas. The multiple synthetic activity is their inherent feature as in other neuroendocrine tumors.
Ivanova
R S
RS
Institute of Endocrinology and Gerontology, Bulgarian Medical Academy, Sofia.
Dashev
G I
GI
D000293:Adolescent; D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000032:analysis / Q000473:pathology*; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000032:analysis; D000328:Adult; D002116:Calcitonin / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008875:Middle Aged; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000032:analysis*; D010673:Pheochromocytoma / Q000032:analysis / Q000473:pathology*; D013004:Somatostatin / Q000032:analysis
D009479:Neuropeptides; D013004:Somatostatin; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D002116:Calcitonin