An electron microscopic observation was made on the normal and EDTA treated parathyroid glands of the rabbit. The parathyroid glands from normal and EDTA treated rabbits were cut into small blocks and fixed for 2 hours in 1 per cent OsO
4 in pH 7.4 s-col-lidine buffer at low temperature about 0-4°C, then stained with uranyl acetate for 1 hour. The blocks were dehydrated in a graded series of ethanol and embedded in epoxy resin. Sections cut on a Porter-Blum MT-1 ultramicrotome using glass knives were stained with Lead citrate and examined through an HU-7A or HU-11A electron microscope. The results obtained are summarized as follows :
1) Secretory granules of the parathyroid gland are round, membrane-bound granules 200 to 400 mp in diameter and contain numerous electron-dense, minute particles.
2) A small process containing the material of slightly greater density than the surrounding cytoplasm is seen at a part of the rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum facing the Golgi apparatus. The secretory material within the rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum seems to be transported to the Golgi apparatus by this process.
3) In the region of the Golgi apparatus there are many membrane-limited vesicles which contain the slightly electron-dense material.
In approaching the plasma membrane, they enlarge and increase the internal density, and become secretory granules.
4) Most of the secretory granules are seen near the plasma membrane. Occasionally, fusion of the limiting membrane of the granule with the plasma membrane has been observed.
5) When the secretory granule is extruded, the limiting membrane of the granule fuses with the plasma membrane and, through the fused plasma and limiting membrane the granule may be extruded. The limiting membrane never vanishes before it fuses with the plasma membrane. On viewing many sections there is some suggestion of a possibility of the eruptocrine mechanism of secretion.
6) At the chief cell coming in no contact with the pericapillary space, secretory substance is thought to be extruded into the intercellular space, through which it is transported to the pericapillary space.
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