Neuronal and glial proteins in medulloblastomas. I. Immunohistochemical study.

Neuronal and glial specific proteins were studied in 35 cases of medulloblastomas, using immunohistochemical methods and antibodies to neurofilament triplet proteins (NF68Kd, NF160Kd, NF210Kd), gamma-enolase, GFAP, S-100 protein, and myelin basic protein. NF160Kd positive cells were observed in 12 of the 35 cases. NF160Kd positive cells were noted in 2, but NF210Kd positive cells were not detected. Gamma-enolase positive cells were observed in 23 cases. GFAP and S-100 protein positive cells were seen in 25 and 28 cases respectively; many of these cells were reactive astrocytes. The myelin basic protein positive cells could not be identified. The expression of neuronal and glial proteins had no relation to the postoperative survival of patients with medulloblastoma, but gamma-enolase may be one factor for evaluating prognosis.