The oxyphil and C cells of the human thyroid gland. A cytochemical and histopathologic review

Abstract

The C and oxyphil cells of the human thyroid are analyzed in the light of recent advances in cellular biology, cytochemistry, and histopathology. The C cell is present in the normal human thyroid, where its identification is cardinally by means of argyrophilic cytoplasmic granules. The morphology, topography and argyrophilia of C cells are discussed with reference to tumor, cyst, and teratoma formation in the thyroid gland. Oxyphii cells of the thyroid are cytochemically akin to C cells but arise from follicular cells. They occur in the thyroid and other protein‐producing organs, but are themselves inefficient producers of proteins and glycoproteins. Speculation is made on their morphological characteristics, and consideration is given to DNA‐RNA involvement in the functional and morphological alterations of this follicular cell type. Copyright © 1975 American Cancer Society