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The Parathyroid Glands

The Parathyroid Glands

The two pairs of parathyroid glands embedded within the posterior surface of the thyroid gland are restricted by a dense capsule around them. These glands comprise two distinct cell populations—parathyroid oxyphil and parathyroid principal cells- pivotal in calcium homeostasis.
Oxyphil cells, whose functions remain elusive, emerge during late puberty, adding a layer of complexity to the parathyroid gland's intricacies. In contrast, principal parathyroid cells undertake a vital role by...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 3, 2026

Establishment of a Simple and Effective Rat Model for Intraoperative Parathyroid Gland Imaging

Establishment of a Simple and Effective Rat Model for Intraoperative Parathyroid Gland Imaging

Published on: August 17, 2022

Robust, quick, and convenient intraoperative method to differentiate parathyroid tissue.

Toyone Kikumori¹, Takahiro Inaishi¹, Noriyuki Miyajima¹

¹Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Nagoya University Hospital, Japan.

|November 23, 2019

Summary

A new enzyme ratio test can accurately identify parathyroid tissue during surgery, helping to prevent hypoparathyroidism. This cost-effective method avoids the need for frozen sections and pathology staff.

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Last Updated: Jan 3, 2026

Establishment of a Simple and Effective Rat Model for Intraoperative Parathyroid Gland Imaging

Establishment of a Simple and Effective Rat Model for Intraoperative Parathyroid Gland Imaging

Published on: August 17, 2022

Procurement of Parathyroid Glands from Living Donor Pigs and Ex Vivo Identification

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Published on: August 1, 2025

Generation of Hypoparathyroid Rats via Carbon-Nanoparticle-Assisted Parathyroidectomy

Generation of Hypoparathyroid Rats via Carbon-Nanoparticle-Assisted Parathyroidectomy

Published on: July 14, 2023

Area of Science:

Biochemistry
Surgical Pathology
Endocrinology

Background:

Intraoperative identification of parathyroid tissue is crucial for preventing hypoparathyroidism.
Frozen sections are accurate but costly and resource-intensive.
Parathyroid tissue has a high concentration of Krebs-cycle enzymes like aspartate aminotransferase.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the utility of the aspartate aminotransferase-to-lactate dehydrogenase ratio for distinguishing parathyroid tissue from other tissues.
To develop a cost-effective and rapid method for intraoperative parathyroid tissue identification.

Main Methods:

Analyzed 94 surgical specimens, including parathyroid, thyroid, and lymph node tissues.
Measured aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase levels in suspended tissue samples.
Calculated the aspartate aminotransferase-to-lactate dehydrogenase ratio for each specimen.

Main Results:

The aspartate aminotransferase-to-lactate dehydrogenase ratio was significantly higher in parathyroid tissue compared to other tissues (P < .001).
An optimal cutoff value of 0.27 demonstrated 100% sensitivity and specificity.
The method provided rapid and convenient differentiation of parathyroid tissue.

Conclusions:

The aspartate aminotransferase-to-lactate dehydrogenase ratio is a reliable biomarker for identifying parathyroid tissue intraoperatively.
This enzyme-based assay offers a low-cost, pathologist-independent alternative to frozen sections.
Implementation can potentially reduce the incidence of postoperative hypoparathyroidism, particularly in resource-limited settings.