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The parenchymal cell mass in normal human parathyroid glands
Acta Pathologica Et Microbiologica Scandinavica. Section A, Pathology
|September 1, 1981
Summary
The parenchymal cell weight, not total gland weight, is a more reliable measure for parathyroid gland histology. This finding helps establish a normal range for parathyroid parenchymal cell mass.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Histology
- Pathology
Background:
- Parathyroid gland weight is influenced by body composition, particularly fat tissue.
- The variability of fat content within parathyroid glands complicates histological assessment.
- Establishing reliable histological criteria for parathyroid glands is crucial for diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the normal weight range of the parenchymal cell mass in parathyroid glands.
- To evaluate the reliability of parenchymal cell weight versus whole gland weight as a histological criterion.
- To investigate the influence of age, sex, and body constitution on parathyroid gland composition.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 368 autopsy cases without parathyroid or kidney disease.
- Measurement of glandular density using a density gradient technique.
- Determination of glandular weight and calculation of parenchymal to fat cell ratio.
Main Results:
- The mean parathyroid parenchymal cell weight was 22 mg, with a maximal normal weight of 39 mg.
- Glandular weight correlated with overall body fat, while parenchymal cell weight was less variable.
- Fat tissue amount positively correlated with overall gland size.
Conclusions:
- Parenchymal cell weight is a more valuable histological criterion than whole gland weight for parathyroid diagnosis.
- A maximal normal parenchymal cell weight of 39 mg is proposed for adult parathyroid glands.
- Age and sex showed minimal variation in parenchymal cell mass.