Neuronal properties of neuroectodermal tumors in vitro.

Cell lines of medulloblastoma, retinoblastoma, and neuroblastoma, three childhood tumors derived from neuroectoderm, have been compared with respect to their neuronal properties. Neuroblastoma, a neural crest derivative, has been shown to express specific neuronal enzymes and the action potential sodium ionophore. Cell lines of medulloblastoma and retinoblastoma also express neuronal specific enzymes and therefore are considered to be of neuroblastic origin.