Distribution of the neuronal specific protein, 14-3-2, in central nervous system lesions of tuberous sclerosis.

The distribution of a neuronal specific enolase (14-3-2) in the central nervous system (CNS) lesions of tuberous sclerosis (TS) was examined using antiserum to 14-3-2 and the peroxidase antiperoxidase (PAP) method of Sternberger. In cortical tubers all the giant cells had intense cytoplasmic staining. Only occasional cells in the subependymal nodules were stained. All cells in the subependymal giant cell tumors were intensely stained. This indicates that the cortical giant cells and the giant cell subependymal tumors are of neuronal rather than astrocytic origin.