Experimental thyroiditis in the Rhesus monkey. V. Electron microscopic investigations

Abstract

Electron microscopic observations of sections from thyroid glands obtained from Rhesus monkeys immunized with monkey thyroid suspensions incorporated in complete Freund's adjuvant are described. Severe changes in the target organ as well as the appearance of circulating autoantibodies testify to the successful production of thyroiditis by this procedure in the experimental animals. The principle morphological changes previously observed by light microscopy could be confirmed. By means of the electron microscope, further insight into the actual changes of the ultrastructure of the thyroid cells were obtained. Characteristic features of the ultrastructure alterations were the vacuolization of the endoplasmic reticulum and the increase of colloid droplets, with evident signs of confluence. Apparently by the confluence of colloid droplets, and further by the accumulation of material derived from the autolytic processes within the cells, masses consisting of a homogeneous fine granular substance are formed, filling large areas within many thyroid cells. In the early stage of cell alteration there can be found an increased number of dense bodies. They disappear in cells with severe damage. A necrotic process in the follicular epithelium occurs in connection with the most intense inflammatory infiltration. These inflammatory cells lie either outside or within the follicle. In the early stage of alteration they are between the follicular cells but with the increase of the damage these cells can also be found intracellularly. Only with severe damage of the follicular cells does the basement membrane seem to be disrupted.

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