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Ultrastructural localization of chromogranin: a potential marker for the electron microscopical recognition of endocrine cell secretory granules

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Summary

Using a monoclonal antibody (LK2H10) directed against human chromogranin, we have been able to localize this soluble glycoprotein to the matrix of secretory granules from a wide variety of endocrine cells. In the gut, enterochromaffin, enteroglucagon, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide, gastrin, and neurotensin-containing cells exhibit chromogranin immunoreactivity. In our system, chromogranin-immunoreactive material was restricted to the halo of human pancreatic glucagon-containing secretory granules within A-cells. Chromogranin immunoreactivity was also localized to secretory granules in phaeochromocytomas, gastrinomas, medullary carcinomas of the thyroid and a carotid body tumour (chemodectoma). Chromogranin is proposed as a potential marker for the ultrastructural recognition of endocrine cell secretory granules.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Histochemistry, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, W12 0HS, London, UK

    Ian M. Varndell & Julia M. Polak

  2. Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, 48109, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

    Ricardo V. Lloyd & Barry S. Wilson

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  1. Ian M. Varndell
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  2. Ricardo V. Lloyd
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  3. Barry S. Wilson
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  4. Julia M. Polak
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Varndell, I.M., Lloyd, R.V., Wilson, B.S. et al. Ultrastructural localization of chromogranin: a potential marker for the electron microscopical recognition of endocrine cell secretory granules. Histochem J 17, 981–992 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01417947

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01417947

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