Neuron-Specific Enolase
A glycolytic enzyme used as a serum biomarker and immunohistochemical marker for neuroendocrine tumors.
Full Definition
Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) is an isoform of the glycolytic enzyme enolase found predominantly in neurons and neuroendocrine cells. As a serum biomarker, elevated NSE levels can indicate the presence of neuroendocrine tumors, though it is less specific than chromogranin A and can be elevated in various other conditions including lung disease, brain injury, and other malignancies. In immunohistochemistry, NSE is used as part of the neuroendocrine marker panel, though it is considered less specific than synaptophysin and chromogranin A. NSE levels may correlate with tumor burden and can be useful for monitoring treatment response in some patients.
Usage
Usage note: Commonly abbreviated as NSE; hyphenate the full term when used as adjective.
In Context
- "Serum neuron-specific enolase was elevated at 45 ng/mL, supporting the diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumor." — Laboratory results
- "Immunostaining showed positive neuron-specific enolase expression in addition to chromogranin A positivity." — Pathology report