Use

This test is useful for aiding in the identification of neoplastic cells of neural origin or those exhibiting neuronal differentiation. Neurofilament (NF) constitutes the main structural elements of neuronal axons and dendrites. NF subunits are present in neurons, neuronal processes, peripheral nerves, and sympathetic ganglion cells. In brain parenchyma, NF labels the axons of the central nervous system. Within tumors, only neoplastic cells of neural origin or those exhibiting neuronal differentiation have been observed to express NF. Positive immunostaining has been observed in neuromas, gangliogliomas, neuroblastomas, and medulloblastomas. Other tumors that can stain for NF include pheochromocytoma, chemodectomas, and carcinoid tumors.