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Emphasis on peanut lectin as a marker for granular cells
Virchows Archiv. A, Pathological Anatomy and Histopathology
|January 1, 1983
Summary
Peanut lectin (PNL) can identify granular cell tumors in various locations. Enhanced PNL binding after neuraminidase treatment confirms its utility as a histochemical marker for granular cells.
Area of Science:
- Histopathology
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Granular cell tumors (GCTs) are neoplasms of uncertain origin.
- Previous studies have suggested potential histiocytic or neural crest origins.
- Identifying reliable markers for GCTs is crucial for diagnosis and understanding their biology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the utility of peanut lectin (PNL) as a histochemical marker for granular cell tumors.
- To compare PNL binding with the expression of lysozyme and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in GCTs.
- To explore the potential origin of granular cells based on marker expression.
Main Methods:
- Peroxidase anti-peroxidase (PAP) technique was used to detect PNL binding.
- Tumor samples included neurohypophysis granular cell tumors, a malignant brain GCT, and peripheral GCTs.
- Samples were examined with and without neuraminidase pretreatment.
- Lysozyme and GFAP expression were assessed simultaneously.
Main Results:
- All 13 granular cell tumors exhibited intracytoplasmic PNL binding.
- Neuraminidase pretreatment significantly enhanced the PNL staining.
- Lysozyme was consistently negative in all tumors.
- GFAP expression was observed at the periphery of the malignant brain GCT.
Conclusions:
- PNL is a reliable histochemical marker for granular cells, irrespective of tumor location.
- The absence of lysozyme argues against a histiocytic origin.
- GFAP expression in some immature GCTs suggests a possible glial differentiation or origin.