Cell culture studies on neurofibromatosis (von Recklinghausen). II. Occurrence of glial cells in primary cultures of peripheral neurofibromas.

The occurrence of glial cells in primary cultures established from peripheral neurofibromas of 18 patients with neurofibromatosis (von Recklinghausen) is described. The spindle-shaped cells can be distinguished from fibroblasts on the basis of morphological and ultrastructural criteria. As demonstrated by immunocytochemical analysis, the spindle cells express S-100 protein. Neither glial fibrillar acidic protein nor myelin basic protein can be detected in these cells. In many respects the spindle cells resemble immature Schwann cells in culture.