Neuroendocrine cells in colorectal adenomas

A consecutive series of 218 endoscopically resected colorectal adenomas was investigated for the occurrence of neuroendocrine cells. In 59 per cent of these adenomas argyrophil cells were detected. In 8 per cent of the adenomas these cells were numerous and so intricately blended in with the other cell types that they were regarded as an intrinsic part of the tumour. In these adenomas subsequently immunocytochemistry revealed the presence of the neuro-hormonal peptides glucagon, pancreatic polypeptide and somatostatin as well as serotonin, in a pattern similar to that seen in normal colorectal mucosa. The presence of neuroendocrine cells did not correlate with any clinical or pathological parameter. The occurrence of neuroendocrine cells in colorectal adenomas is in agreement with the unitarian theory of the development of the various epithelial cell types in large bowel mucosa.