Synaptophysin

Synaptophysin is a reliable and specific marker molecule for normal and neoplastic neuroendocrine cells in the nervous system, synaptophysin-positive tumours are known to comprise ganglioneuromas, ganglioneuroblastomas, neuroblastomas, paragangliomas and primitive neuroectodermal tumours (1).

Recommended Controls

The recommended positive control to use for a synaptophysin stain is the Langerhans islet cells which stain quite intensely in normal pancreas; the peripheral nerve fibres should display a weak to moderate staining reaction.

Neuroendocrine tumour

Normal pancreas

Disclaimer

These methods are intended as a guide only. Laboratories that wish to implement these methods should perform internal validation/verification prior to use. The RCPAQAP does not make any claim or warranty for the accuracy or performance of these methods.