Neuronal features of oligodendrogliomas--an ultrastructural and immunohistochemical study.
OBJECTIVE
To assess neuronal differentiation in oligodendrogliomas (ODGs).


RESULTS
An electron microscopic and immunohistochemical study of 41 consecutive cases was performed. In all cases, tumour cells with neuritic structures were identified ultrastructurally, including synapses and neurosecretory granules. For the immunohistochemical identification of synaptophysin, monoclonal antibody clones 27G12, Snp88 and SY38 and a polyclonal antibody were compared in optimized protocols on slides from a spectrum of tissues and 16 ODGs. 27G12 gave the best signal-to-noise ratio, while SY38 gave the poorest. When 27G12 was applied on all 41 ODGs, widespread immunoreactivity was obtained in 100%. Among three antibodies to chromogranin compared similarly, clone LK2H10 and a polyclonal antibody gave identical patterns of immunoreactivity, whereas clone DAK-A3 gave weaker reactions. When LK2H10 was applied on all tumours, staining was found in 12 (29%). All tumours but one stained strongly for glial fibrillary acidic protein and all for synapsin I. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis showed a concomitant 1p/19q deletion in 12/16 ODGs.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study provides evidence for widespread neuronal differentiation in ODGs, suggesting that these tumours may be derived from progenitor cells with limited commitment. Antibody selection and protocol optimization are mandatory for reliable immunohistochemistry results.
Vyberg
M
M
Institute of Pathology, Aalborg Hospital, Aarhus University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark. mv@rn.dl
Ulhøi
B P
BP
Teglbjaerg
P S
PS
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D016543:Central Nervous System Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D019085:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D008297:Male; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D008875:Middle Aged; D009474:Neurons / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009837:Oligodendroglioma / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm