Effects of short-term treatment with ethanol on the ultrastructure of the adult golden hamster parathyroid gland

Several previous studies have indicated that ingestion of ethanol can induce hypocalcemia or osteoporosis. However, few data are available concerning the effects of ethanol on the parathyroid gland. To clarify the mechanism of ethanol-induced hypocalcemia, we studied the ultrastructure to the parathyroid gland in golden hamsters after shortterm treatment with ethanol. Ethanol was administered by gavage via an intragastric tube at 6g/kg of 50% ethanol in distilled water. The mean serum calcium concentration was significantly low at 3 and 5h after administration. The Golgi complexes of the parathyroid chief cells significantly decreased 1 and 3h after administration. The lipid droplets and the large vacuolar bodies significantly increased 5h after administration. These findings suggest that the cellular activity of the parathyroid gland is suppressed after shortterm treatment with ethanol.