ULTRASTRUCTURE BIOLOGICAL STUDY AND CULTURE OF A C-CELL CARCINOMA OF THYROID-GLAND

  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 24  (5) , 352-358
Abstract
The ultrastructure of a C-cell carcinoma of the human thyroid confirms previous data. The cells are slender, with a large nucleus. The Golgi apparatus is well developed. Granules in striking abundance are seen in every part of the cytoplasm. Their diameter is 85-250 m.mu. and they are surrounded by a clear space and limited by a membrane. The stroma is poorly developed and no amyloid substance is seen. The plasma level of thyrocalcitonin was 10 ng/ml before, and undetectable 2 yr after surgery. Thyrocalcitonin level in the tumor crude extract was 4.2 mg/g of fresh tissue. Isolated cells from 1 g of the tissue were cultured for 3 mo. in Eagle''s medium. In the media, renewed every 8-20 days, the thyrocalcitonin level progressively decreased in the different flasks, from 2.0 to 4.3 ng/ml to an undetectable level. Persistence of active secretion from cultured cells is discussed.

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