Chromogranin A

Chromogranin A is present in neuroendocrine cells throughout the body, including the neuroendocrine cells of the large and small intestine, adrenal medulla and pancreatic islets. It is an excellent marker for carcinoid tumors, pheochromocytomas, paragangliomas, and other neuroendocrine tumors. Co-expression of chromogranin A and neuron specific enolase (NSE) is common in neuroendocrine neoplasms. Reportedly, co-expression of certain keratins and chromogranin indicates neuroendocrine lineage. The presence of strong anti-chromogranin staining and absence of anti-NSE is typical of neuroendocrine neoplasms. Most pituitary adenomas and prolactinomas readily express chromogranin.