Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) is a glycolytic isoenzyme which is located in central and peripheral neurons and neuroendocrine cells. This enzyme is released into the CSF when neural tissue is injured. Neoplasms derived from neural or neuroendocrine tissue may release NSE into the blood. NSE is a useful substance that has been detected in patients with certain tumors, namely - neuroblastoma, small cell lung cancer, medullary thyroid cancer, carcinoid tumors, pancreatic endocrine tumors, and melanoma. NSE shows neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties on a broad spectrum of central nervous system (CNS) neurons and binds in a calcium-dependent manner to cultured neocortical neurons promoting cell survival.
