Human chromogranin A-like immunoreactivity in the Bergmann glia of the rat brain

A mouse monoclonal antibody to human chromogranin A (LK2H10) selectively stains the Bergmann glia (Golgi epithelial cells) of the rat cerebellum, while rabbit antibodies to bovine or porcine chromogranin A do not. Chromogranin A immunostaining in the cell bodies and processes reveals the characteristic candelabra morphology seen in Golgi preparations of these cells. Immunostaining adjacent sections with antibodies to glial fibrillary acidic protein shows that a relatively small number of the glial cell processes in the molecular layer are chromogranin A positive. Recent reports indicate that the metabolites of chromogranin A play a regulatory role in endocrine and neuroendocrine systems but the function of chromogranins in neurons and glia is unknown.