EFFECTS OF PROSTAGLANDIN E(2) ON THE ULTRASTRUCTURE OF THE GOLDEN-HAMSTER PARATHYROID-GLAND

The effects of different ages on large vacuolar bodies in the parathuy roid glands of golden hamsters after administration of prostaglandin E (2) (PGE(2)) were investigated. In the parathyroid glands of the young and senile animals 15 min and the senile animals 60 min after adminis tration of PGE(2), the mean serum calcium concentration was significan tly higher when compared to that of the young and senile control anima ls, respectively. In the experimental adult animals 60 min after admin istration of PGE(2), the serum calcium concentration was seen to incre ase. In the parathyroid glands of the young animals 15 min and the adu lt and senile animals 60 min after administration of PGE(2), the perce nt area occupied by large vacuolar bodies was significantly increased when compared to that of the young, adult and senile control animals, respectively. These findings suggest that the percent area occupied by large vacuolar bodies is increased in response to hypercalcemia induc ed by PGE(2). It is thought that in the parathyroid glands suppressed by hypercalcemia there is a relationship between the percent area occu pied by large vacuolar bodies and aging.