AGE-ASSOCIATED C-CELL HYPERPLASIA IN THE HUMAN THYROID

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 106  (3) , 388-393
Abstract
C cells in 26 normal human thyroids from forensic autopsies were identified by immunoperoxidase staining for calcitonin. C-cell concentrations and total C-cell numbers were determined with the use of morphometric techniques. There was great variation in C-cell density within a given gland and among individuals, although C cells tended to concentrate about 1/3 of the way down the vertical axis of the lateral lobes. Densities of 1-2000 cells/cu mm were found in the 3rd and later decades. There was a significant (P < 0.01) positive Spearman correlation between total C-cell numbers and age in males. C-cell hyperplasia appears to be an age-related phenomenon that may have physiologic significance and must be taken into consideration in evaluation of thyroid glands for the diagnosis of premlignant lesions of C cells.