Melanocytic bronchial carcinoid tumor.
A melanin- and serotonin-producing bronchial carcinoid tumor is described. Melanin synthesis by neoplastic cells also containing electron-dense core (neurosecretory granules was documented by electron microscopy and serotonin content was found by biochemical assay to be 201.2 micrograms/g wet weight of tissue. Simultaneous demonstration of "endocrine" properties with characteristics of a cell of neural-crest origin provides strongly confirmatory evidence for the APUD cell theory of Pearse and makes an interesting commentary in regard to general theories of neoplasia.
D000368:Aged; D001984:Bronchial Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D002276:Carcinoid Tumor / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D003528:Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008543:Melanins / Q000378:metabolism; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism
D008543:Melanins; D012701:Serotonin