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Synaptic vesicle protein 2, A new neuroendocrine cell marker
G M Portela-Gomes1, A Lukinius, L Grimelius
1Centres of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal. University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden. portela__gomes@yahoo.com
The American Journal of Pathology
|October 6, 2000
Summary
Synaptic vesicle protein 2 (SV2) is a newly identified marker for human neuroendocrine (NE) cells. This protein is present in various NE cell types and tumors, aiding in their diagnosis, especially hindgut carcinoids.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Cell Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Synaptic vesicle protein 2 (SV2) is a known glycoprotein in the nervous system.
- Its presence in the human neuroendocrine (NE) system has not been previously investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence and distribution of SV2 in human NE cell types and tumors.
- To evaluate SV2 as a potential diagnostic marker for NE cells and neoplasms.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry using a monoclonal antibody against SV2.
- Immunoelectron microscopy to localize SV2 within secretory granules.
- Comparative analysis of SV2 with established markers like synaptophysin and chromogranin A.
Main Results:
- SV2 immunoreactivity was detected in NE cells of the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal medulla.
- SV2 was found in secretory granules of pancreatic islet cells.
- All examined NE tumors, including pituitary adenomas and hindgut carcinoids, showed SV2 immunoreactivity.
- SV2 demonstrated distinct staining patterns compared to synaptophysin and chromogranin A, particularly in hindgut carcinoids.
Conclusions:
- SV2 serves as a broad marker for human NE cells.
- It expands the diagnostic toolkit for NE tumors, offering particular utility for identifying hindgut carcinoids.
- SV2 is a valuable marker in neuroendocrine tumor diagnostics.