ELECTRON CYTOCHEMISTRY OF BUCHE AND ACHE IN THYROID AND PARATHYROID C CELLS UNDER NORMAL AND EXPERIMENTAL CONDITIONS

Thyroid and parathyroid glands of normal rats and rabbits were briefly fixed by perfusion with glutaraldehyde. Glands from animals injected either with calcium chloride or 5-hydroxytryptophan, were treated similarly. After removal, slices of tissue were incubated for ChE activity by a modified Koelle technique and processed for E.M. examination. The normal pattern of ChE localization was recorded after varying periods of incubation. Changes in localization of ChE in the C cells followed rapidly upon stimulation. Theoretical considerations of the role of ChE in C cells are discussed and it is concluded that the enzyme may be concerned with the metabolism of the hormone storage granules and with their participation in the release of hormone at the plasma membrane. © 1969 Springer-Verlag.