PARATHYROID-GLANDS OF MONGOLIAN GERBIL (MERIONES-UNGUICULATUS)

  • 1 January 1975
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 10  (2) , 135-143
Abstract
The parathyroid glands of adult Mongolian gerbils were studied under an operation microscope, and with the aid of conventional light microscopy, and transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The mean serum level of Ca was 5.1 meq/l and that of P was 4.8 mg/100 ml. The animals possessed 2 small parathyroid glands, usually situated anteriorly and slightly laterally to the superior thyroid poles. The glands had a rich vascular supply and were composed of sheets of chief cells, which varied in electron density and content of organelles. No water-clear, oxyphil or intraglandular fat cells were found. Some mitochondria exhibited electron lucent areas, and separation and bulbous projections of the membranes. The cell membranes were straight or tortuous and possessed microvilli, occasionally with central filamentous structures. The intercellular spaces were usually narrow. The variants of chief cells are apparently interchangeable and the differences in their morphological appearance are apparently related to differences in functional state.

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