Nitric oxide (NO) is a novel gaseous intercellular transmitter thought to play important physiological roles in the regulation of blood flow and hormone secretion in, for example, the pituitary, the thyroid, and the endocrine pancreas. Whether nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is present in the human parathyroid glands has not yet been demonstrated. In the present study, histologically normal, but functionally suppressed human parathyroid glands and parathyroid adenomas from patients with primary hyperparathyroidism were investigated by immunocytochemistry with antibodies against neuronal NOS and by reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) diaphorase histochemistry. We also used H&E to identify the NOS-immunoreactive cells. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated the presence of neuronal-type NOS in a subpopulation of glandular cells, identified as oxyphilic cells, in both normal parathyroid glands and adenomas. NADPH-diaphorase staining visualized NOS in the endothelium of blood vessels and in glandular cells, corresponding to those containing immunoreactive NOS. In addition, we found NADPIH-diaphorase staining in many chief cells. Our results indicate that both glandular cells and vascular endothelium in human parathyroid glands and adenomas express NOS. There is thus a morphological substrate for locally produced NO that may be involved in the regulation of parathyroid blood flow and hormone secretion.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02739923DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

parathyroid glands
20
human parathyroid
16
nitric oxide
12
glandular cells
12
oxide synthase
8
synthase human
8
parathyroid
8
glands parathyroid
8
parathyroid adenomas
8
blood flow
8

Similar Publications

Article Synopsis
  • Thalassemia, particularly beta-thalassemia major, is a hereditary anemia marked by insufficient beta-globin chain production, leading to iron overload from frequent blood transfusions, with significant health complications like endocrinopathies.
  • The study focused on children aged 6 months to 14 years, examining growth and endocrine function in relation to serum ferritin levels, which indicate iron overload.
  • Results revealed a high prevalence of endocrinopathy, with short stature being the most commonly observed issue, particularly among boys and younger children.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction And Importance: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a frequent complication to multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), presenting challenges due to increased risk of multi-gland disease and recurrence post parathyroidectomy (PTX). This case report examines the management of PHPT in a MEN1 patient, emphasizing possible benefits from intraoperative parathyroid autofluorescence imaging (AF).

Case Presentation: A 21-year-old woman with MEN1 presented with mild hyperparathyroidism symptoms in 2014.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

A 51-year-old female patient with diabetes mellitus and hypertension, exhibiting poor control of blood sugar and blood pressure, was unexpectedly found to have multiple large adrenal nodules, excessive cortisol secretion, and adrenocorticotropic hormone inhibition. Cortisol levels remained unresponsive to both low-dose and high-dose dexamethasone tests, leading to a diagnosis of primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia. Concurrently, elevated blood calcium and parathyroid hormone levels, along with 99mTc-methoxyisobutyl isonitrile (99mTc-MIBI) imaging revealing increased 99mTc-MIBI uptake in the right inferior parathyroid gland, suggest the consideration of primary hyperparathyroidism.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Robotic transthoracic approach to ectopic mediastinal parathyroid adenoma: A case report.

Int J Surg Case Rep

December 2024

Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland; Department of Surgery, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.

Introduction: Ectopic parathyroid adenomas represent an important cause of refractory hyperparathyroidism. While most ectopic mediastinal parathyroid adenomas can be accessed through a transcervical approach, this is not always feasible, posing a significant challenge.

Case Presentation: We report the case of a 60-year-old female patient who presented with symptomatic hyperparathyroidism.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by tumors in multiple endocrine glands, but some patients may lack the genetic markers typically associated with the condition.
  • A 56-year-old woman with a history of a macroprolactinoma, primary hyperparathyroidism, and a cortisol-producing adrenal adenoma was diagnosed with MEN1 despite being genotype-negative, raising concerns about the reliability of genetic testing.
  • The case highlights that genotype-negative MEN1 can involve serious complications and emphasizes the importance of recognizing clinical symptoms like glucose intolerance and tumor manifestations to avoid delayed diagnoses.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!