S-100 protein in methyl- and ethylnitrosourea induced tumors of the rat nervous system.

Abstract

S-100 protein, a soluble protein restricted to the nervous system, was measured by complement fixation in 51 neurogenic and non-neurogenic tumors produced by either methylnitrosourea or ethylnitrosourea in three different strains of rats. Nineteen of the 51 neurogenic tumors were neoplasms of the central nervous system (18 of the brain, 1 of the spinal cord). They were diagnosed morphologically as 5 mixed gliomas, 4 anaplastic gliomas, 4 glioependymomas, 1 ependymoma, 3 gliosarcomas, and 2 unclassified tumors. With the exception of one anaplastic glioma and one gliosarcoma, all other central nervous system tumors contained S-100 protein, ranging from 0.005–0.13% of the total 35000 g supernatant protein. S-100 protein was also demonstrated in 21 of the 22 tumors of the peripheral nervous system, originating from the trigeminal nerves, the spinal roots, and from peripheral nerves. The average S-100 protein content of these tumors was 0.2% (range 0.02–1.6%). A possible correlation between S-100 protein content and tumor differentiation must be evaluated. S-100 protein was detected in only one of 10 neoplasms morphologically classified as non-neurogenic (7 sarcomas, 2 carcinomas, and 1 hemangioendothelioma). On the basis of its S-100 protein content, one tumor was reclassified as a neurosarcoma. The sensitivity and the high degree of specificity of the S-100 protein assay makes it a useful biochemical tool for the identification of neurogenic tumors. The presence of S-100 protein must be considered as a definitive indication for neural cell participation in neoplastic growth.