Immunohistochemical comparison of chromogranins A and B and secretogranin II with calcitonin and calcitonin gene‐related peptide expression in normal, hyperplastic and neoplastic C‐cells of the human thyroid

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Abstract
Normal and hyperplastic thyroid C‐cells and 14 cases of medullary thyroid carcinoma were investigated immunohistochemically with antibodies against chromogranins A and B, secretogranin II, calcitonin and calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP). Normal and hyperplastic C‐cells showed strong calcitonin and chromogranin A immunoreactivity whereas CGRP, chromogranin B and secretogranin II expression was less intense. Strong calcitonin and chromogranin A immunoreactivity was also found in the majority of tumour cells in medullary thyroid carcinoma. The CGRP, chromogranin B and secretogranin II staining observed was present in variable patterns. In some cases CGRP, chromogranin B and secretogranin II could only be demonstrated in isolated tumour cells with elongated processes suggestive of neuronal differentiation of these cells. The biological function(s) of the chromogranins/secretogranins remain(s) still unclear. There is evidence that these proteins are pro‐peptides which give rise to functionally active compounds. Studies on normal C‐cells and medullary thyroid carcinoma may elucidate the role of chromogranins/secretogranins in endocrine and neuronal cells.

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