Study on the expression of neuron-specific enolase,chromogranin and synaptophysin in functional islet cell tumors

Objective:To study the expression and clinical significance of neuron-specific enolase,chromogranin and synaptophysin in islet cell tumors.Methods:Twenty-one paraffin-embedded specimens with islet tumors and 3 cases cholangiocarcinoma and tissue nearby the tumor were recruited from Jan 1988 to Jun 2001.The S-P method was used for the detection of chromogranin,synaptophysin and neuron-specific enolase.Results:There were positive expressions of neuron-specific enolase,chromogranin and synaptophysin in 19,15 and 18 cases respectively,while negative results were observed in 3 cases of cholangiocarcinoma and the para-cancer tissue.Conclusion:CG,SYN and NSE may be specific tumor markers of islet cell tumors and combined detection can help to enhance the sensitivity.