Immunohistochemical detection of chromogranin A and morphometric findings in pancreatic nesidioblastosis in children
The histologic features and morphometric data of the endocrine pancreas (surgical specimens) of 12 infants suffering from persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia are reported. In 3 cases, a focal nesidioblastosis, in another 3 cases, a diffuse nesidioblastosis were observed. 2 infants demonstrate B-cell adenomata and 4 adenomata combined with a diffuse nesidioblastosis. In respect to volume density of the endocrine pancreas and diameter of the islets, there are no differences between cases with diffuse nesidioblastosis and age-matched controls. Structural changes of the endocrine pancreas in cases with nesidioblastosis are detectable by their chromogranin-A-immunoreactivity. Further investigations are necessary to clarify if there are disturbances in the relationships between chromogranin A and peptide hormones additionally to structural changes in the pancreas.