Argyrophil cells in gastric carcinomas.

Seven out of 36 gastric carcinomas showed neuroendocrine cells, as revealed by histochemical methods (Grimelius' staining). Histologically, two of these tumors were adenocarcinomas, while the other five were scirrhous type carcinomas. PAS and mucicarmin stainings revealed the presence of intracytoplasmic mucins in all the tumors with a positive argyrophilic reaction. The problems related to histogenesis and clinical behaviour of tumors with a neuroendocrine component are briefly discussed.