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DNA patterns in parathyroid disease predict postoperative parathyroid hormone secretion
G L Irvin1, M A Taupier, N L Block
1Department of Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, Fla. 33101.
Surgery
|December 1, 1988
Summary
Flow cytometry revealed abnormal DNA content in parathyroid glands of hypercalcemic patients. This DNA abnormality, including tetraploid and aneuploid patterns, predicted persistent parathyroid hormone secretion even after surgery.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Pathology
Background:
- Hypercalcemic hyperparathyroidism is often associated with enlarged parathyroid glands.
- The cell cycle and DNA content of parathyroid cells in this condition were not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) content in parathyroid glands from patients with hypercalcemic hyperparathyroidism.
- To correlate DNA patterns with clinical outcomes and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometric analysis of nuclear DNA content in excised parathyroid glands.
- DNA analysis of biopsy specimens from normal-sized parathyroid glands remaining in situ.
- Correlation of DNA patterns with postoperative PTH levels and clinical status.
Main Results:
- Three distinct DNA patterns were identified: diploid, tetraploid, and aneuploid.
- Abnormal tetraploid DNA content was found in 34 patients, and aneuploid DNA in seven.
- DNA content in biopsy specimens of normal-sized glands predicted parathyroid gland secretory activity (p < 0.042).
Conclusions:
- Abnormal DNA content, including aneuploidy, is a feature of hyperparathyroidism and does not necessarily indicate malignancy.
- The stimulus for parathyroid gland hyperfunction can affect multiple glands and persist post-surgery.
- Cell cycle abnormalities and continued hormone hypersecretion can occur in remaining parathyroid tissue.