Syncytial cells in canine parathyroid glands

Multinucleated syncytial cells consisting of clusters of closely apposed, darkly staining nuclei and densely eosinophilic cytoplasm were present in parathyroid glands from 25 of 36 dogs (69%). They were most often located either peripherally in the parathyroid gland or adjacent to blood vessels. The numbers of nuclei per syncytial cell ranged from two to greater than 30. Syncytial cells had degenerative changes as suggested by vacuolated mitochondria, dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum, irregular nuclear outlines, and condensed nuclear chromatin. These ultrastructural changes contrasted sharply with adjacent chief cells that had well-preserved organelles. The presence of desmosomes and fragments of cell membranes between nuclei suggested that syncytial cells were derived from fusion of adjacent chief cells rather than nuclear division without cytokinesis. Syncytial cells were present in normal, hyperplastic, and inactive parathyroid glands from dogs. There were no significant correlations between the presence of multinucleated cells and age of dog, parathyroid histology, and changes in the concentrations of serum calcium, phosphorus, creatinine, or plasma parathyroid hormone. Syncytial cells occurred frequently in canine parathyroid glands regardless of the state of activity of the gland or the concentration of plasma parathyroid hormone or serum calcium.