Nestin expression in cortical dysplasia

Object. It is recognized that cortical dysplasia (CD) is associated with an increased incidence of glioneuronal neoplasms. Among hypothetical consider ations, there is the possibility that CID and other neuronal migration abno rmalities harbor dysmature cells with the potential to give rise to glioneu ronal neoplasms. Such cells, if present, would be reasonably expected to di splay immature features. The goal of the present study was to characterize the expression of nestin, a neuroepithelial precursor/stem cell antigen, in CD, along with other pathological and clinical features of this entity. Methods. Clinical and surgical features of 10 recent cases meeting the hist ological criteria for CD were reviewed. Expressions of nestin, MAP2, neurof ilament, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were assessed using imm unohistochemical analysis and confocal scanning laser microscopy. Immunoreactivity for both glial and neuronal antigens as well as nestin was found in a select group of cells within regions of CID. Immunohistochemica l and confocal microscopic findings demonstrated that these cells with neur onal or ambiguous features are a mixed population, some of which are dysmat ure neurons (positive for nestin and MAP2), whereas others are astrocytic ( positive for nestin and GFAP). Conclusions. Further insight into the nature of nestin-positive neurons may shed light on the cause and pathogenesis of the associated glioneuronal tu mors and the accompanying chronic seizures.