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Parathyroid glands in chronic aluminum intoxication
G Cournot-Witmer1, J J Plachot
1Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique URA-583, Paris, France.
Ultrastructural Pathology
|May 1, 1990
Summary
Aluminum overload in chronic renal failure patients did not impair parathyroid hormone production. Despite high aluminum levels in parathyroid glands, chief cells showed active hormone synthesis without damage.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Endocrinology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Aluminum overload is a concern in patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis.
- Aluminum accumulation may potentially affect parathyroid gland function and hormone secretion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of aluminum overload on parathyroid gland morphology and function in patients with chronic renal failure.
- To determine if aluminum deposits in parathyroid glands interfere with parathyroid hormone (PTH) production.
Main Methods:
- Examination of parathyroid glands from nine parathyroidectomized hemodialysis patients using light and electron microscopy.
- X-ray microanalysis was employed to quantify aluminum content in parathyroid and bone tissues.
- Assessment of aluminum overload via stainable aluminum in bone biopsy specimens and plasma aluminum concentrations.
Main Results:
- Patients with aluminum overload exhibited significantly higher aluminum concentrations in bone and parathyroid tissues compared to controls.
- Elevated plasma levels of immunoreactive parathyroid hormone and osteitis fibrosa were observed in most patients.
- Aluminum deposits were found within parathyroid chief cell cytoplasm, including lipoid bodies, lipofuscin granules, and mitochondria.
Conclusions:
- Aluminum deposits in parathyroid glands of intoxicated patients did not cause cellular damage or necrosis.
- The presence of aluminum in parathyroid chief cells did not interfere with the synthesis or apparent production of parathyroid hormone.