Immunocytochemical study of enterochromaffin cells in carcinomas of the large intestine

Abstract

In a series of 130 cases of adenocarcinomas of the large intestine, enterochromaffin (EC) cells were detected in 54 cases (41.5%) by immunocytochemistry with anti-chromogranin monoclonal antibody. Among the 54 cases, 30 were found positive for serotonin, 14 for somatostatin, 11 for glucagon, 5 for pancreatic polypeptide, and only one for gastrin. The cases with EC cell (++) or polypeptide positive cells exhibited higher grade of differentiation, earlier stage of tumor extension and higher survival rate than those without EC cells. A significant difference of the EC cell population pattern among different histological grades of the tumors and non-neoplastic mucosa was found. The proportion of hormone, especially polypeptided positive cells was the highest in the mucosa and lowest in the moderately or poorly-differentiated carcinomas. The incidence, methodology and clinicopathological significance of EC cells found in the tumors are discussed.