Age changes and time of appearance of oxyphil cells its relation to C cells

Abstract

Background: Parathyroid glands play a vital role in the regulation of calcium homeostasis. Chief cells secrete PTH to regulate serum calcium level. Hypocalcaemia is associated with age related disorders such as osteoporosis. Oxyphil cells and C-cells are known to have significant age changes. Aim: Hence, it is worthwhile to focus on establishing the time of appearance of oxyphil cells, and to determine whether there is any increase or decrease of oxyphil cells as age advances. Additionally, it is imperative to analyse whether the oxyphil cell count influence the count of parafollicular cells. Methods: The parathyroid glands of 54 autopsied persons of various age groups (1-month to up to 80 years) were studied using haematoxylin and eosin and special stains. The sequence of changes occurring in the number, size and arrangement of parenchymal cells with respect to age were studied. The data obtained were analysed with appropriate statistical method to observe the dependence of various parameters with age. Results: C- cells predominated among the cell population and were present in all age groups. Number of C- cells increase until third decade with a slight decline thereafter. An earlier appearance of oxyphil cells was noted at the age of 7 years and a significant increase in number was seen after 40 years. They showed a tendency to form larger groups and nodules in old age. The number of oxyphil cells showed a strong positive correlation with age. And there was no correlation between number of parafollicular cell (C-cell) and oxyphil cell in this study. Conclusion: Significant age-related changes obtained in this study provide an opportunity to define the normal histological variations of C-cells and oxyphil cells with the age. This study serves as an attempt to bring some clarity regarding the function of oxyphil cell.