Nerve growth factor receptor immunoreactivity in human benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor.

In situ expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) receptors in human dermal and plexiform neurofibroma, schwannoma and traumatic neuroma was examined by an immunohistochemical method using a monoclonal anti-human NGF receptor antibody. Immunoreactivity for the NGF receptor was observed on the principal cells of both neurofibroma and schwannoma. Immunostaining by the anti-S-100 beta protein antibody in adjacent sections suggested that the vast majority of NGF receptor-positive cells were also positive for S-100 beta protein. In traumatic neuroma, staining for the NGF receptor was more intense in the perineurium than in the endoneurial cells.