Abstract
The newt parathyroid glan d after administration of atropine or pilocarpine was studied with electron microscope. Serum calcium concentration was a l most unchanged after administration of atropine or pilocarpine. Remarkable changes in the ultrastructure of the basal cells were not recognized after administration of agents. In most suprabasal cells after administration of atropine, the elements of granular endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus were so well developed as compared with the control animals. The number of secretory granules, heterogeneously dense bodies and lipofuscin-like bodies was decreased, while the number of vacuolar bodies was increased after administration of atropine. Most of the heterogeneously dense bodies consisted of the vesicular type at 3,6 and 12 hr after injection. In most suprabasal cells after administration of pilocarp i n e, cell. organelles such as granular endoplasmic reticulum and tho Golgi apparatus became smaller in size than those of the control newts. Secretory granules, heterogeneously dense bodies and lipofuscin-like bodies were increased, while vacuolar bodies were decreased in number after administration of pilocarpine. Most of the heterogeneously dense bodies consisted of the lysosomal type at 3,6 and 12 hr after injection. Such ultrastructural alterations in the newt parathyroid gland after administration of atropine or pilocarpine would support the participation of the autonomic nervous system.
