Which immunohistochemical marker is most specific for astrocytes?

Unlock all questions

This demo includes only 20 questions. Upgrade to access hundreds of questions, flashcards, exam simulations, and disable ads.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards
From $25.99Unlock all

Study for the Histopathology and MTLE Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Gain insights into the exam format, essential topics, and tips to excel your preparation!

Multiple Choice

Which immunohistochemical marker is most specific for astrocytes?

Explanation:
GFAP identifies astrocytes because glial fibrillary acidic protein is an intermediate filament protein expressed predominantly by astrocytes in the central nervous system. This makes it the most specific marker for astrocytes among the options given. S100 is expressed in a broader range of cells, including other glial cells and some non-glial cells, so it lacks the same specificity. CD68 marks macrophages and microglia, not astrocytes, and cytokeratins (CK AE1/AE3) label epithelial cells, not glial cells. In the context of MTLE pathology, GFAP reliably highlights astrocytes and reactive gliosis, underscoring its specificity for the astrocyte lineage.

GFAP identifies astrocytes because glial fibrillary acidic protein is an intermediate filament protein expressed predominantly by astrocytes in the central nervous system. This makes it the most specific marker for astrocytes among the options given. S100 is expressed in a broader range of cells, including other glial cells and some non-glial cells, so it lacks the same specificity. CD68 marks macrophages and microglia, not astrocytes, and cytokeratins (CK AE1/AE3) label epithelial cells, not glial cells. In the context of MTLE pathology, GFAP reliably highlights astrocytes and reactive gliosis, underscoring its specificity for the astrocyte lineage.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy