NSE, neurone-specific enolase

There are three distinct enolases, each composed of a dimer. The a-enolase is present in most tissues. The B-enolase is mainly restricted to the heart and skeletal muscle. R-enolase is neurospecific enolase found in neurones of the central and peripheral nervous system, neuroendocrine cells and their tumours.

Immunohistochemical expression

NSE is directed against the R-enolase (aa dimer), but cross-reacts with the ag heterodimer. As a result NSE is immunoreactive ina wide range of non-neuroendocrine cells:

• smooth muscle

• myoepithelial cells

• platelets

• lymphocytes

• epithelial cells of the loop of Henle2

• carcinomas of the kidney2, breast, ovary

• seminomas

Diagnostic utility

Very limited by the large range of immunoreactive tumours.

References

1Shy, S.W., Lee, W.H., Chou, M.C., Lai, Y.S. and Tu, Y.C. Small cell lung carcinoma: clinicopathological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural study. J Surg Oncol 1990;45:146-61.

2Haimoto, H., M. Takashi, et al. (1986). "Enolase isozymes in renal tubules and renal cell carcinoma." Am J Pathol 124(3): 488-95.

3Leader, M., M. Collins, et al. (1986). "Antineuron specific enolase staining reactions in sarcomas and carcinomas: its lack of neuroendocrine specificity." J Clin Pathol 39(11): 1186-92.

4Ordonez, N. G., J. Y. Ro, et al. (1989). "Alveolar soft part sarcoma. An ultrastructural and immunocytochemical investigation of its histogenesis." Cancer 63(9): 1721-36.

5Nemeth, J., A. Galian, et al. (1987). "Neuron-specific enolase and malignant lymphomas (23 cases)." Virchows Arch A Pathol Anat Histopathol 412(1): 89-93.

6Erickson, L. A. and R. V. Lloyd (2004). "Practical markers used in the diagnosis of endocrine tumors." Adv Anat Pathol 11(4): 175-89.

This page last revised 21.7.2004.

©SMUHT/PW Bishop