Subependymal giant-cell tumor: astrocytic or neuronal?

Tissue from seven patients with tuberous sclerosis and subependymal giant-cell tumors was examined with special stains, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy. Immunoreactive glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was not found in the giant cells of four tumors, but was present in some tumor cells in the other three. Immunoreactive S-100 protein was present in tumor cells of six cases; it was also seen in more tumor cells than was GFAP. Electron microscopy was similar in all cases and showed that the tumor cells had numerous organelles - many dense bodies thought to be primary lysosomes, swollen mitochondria, Golgi complexes, rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, free ribosomes, and sparsely distributed intermediate filaments. In one case, neurosecretory granules, microvilli, and synapses were observed. In another subject, prominent, thick bundles of glial filaments were seen. These findings suggest that the tumor is made up of unique cells in addition to cells with recognizable neuronal or astrocytic features.