Neuron specific enolase demonstration in the diagnosis of a solid-cystic (papillary cystic) tumour of the pancreas

Abstract

Immunoreactivity to neuron specific enolase (NSE) was demonstrated in a solid-cystic (papillary cystic) tumour of the human pancreas, employing immunohistochemical methods. Positive staining for NSE was found with two different antisera. In addition, sodium-dodecyl-sulphate-polyacrylamide-gel-electro-phoresis (SDS-PAGE) of tumour homgenate revealed a distinct band reacting with a NSE antiserum. However, we failed to detect any hormonal products or neuroendocrine granules in the tumour. Therefore the authors advise caution in using the enzyme as a differential diagnostic tool, especially in surgical pathology of epithelial pancreatic neoplasms occurring in young females. In individual cases electron microscopy will be necessary since solid-cystic tumours of the pancreas consistently show large intracytoplasmic zymogen-like granules.