ISSN:
1432-0533
Keywords:
Esthesioneuroblastoma
;
Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)
;
Immunohistochemistry
;
Ultrastructure
;
Catecholamine-producing tumor
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary An esthesioneuroblastoma in a 16-year-old male was studied ultrastructurally and immunohistochemically, using antiserum against tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), a rate-limiting enzyme in the catecholamine-synthesizing pathway. Tumor cells were fairly uniform in appearance, showing scantly cosinophilic cytoplasm and round to oval hyperchromatic nuclei, and were arranged in nests and cords of various sizes. Ultrastructurally, individual tumor cells had well-developed cell organelles including polyribosomes, microtubules, intermediate filaments, centrioles, Golgi apparatus and mitochondria. Secretory-like granules were occasionally found, predominantly in the cell processes. Immunohistochemically, many tumor cells were shown to be immunoreactive for TH. This finding strongly suggested that the present tumor was capable of producing catecholamines and that it might be derived from certain sympathetic neuronal cell nests in the superior nasal cavity.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00686393
