title: RER-associated structure in parathyroid glands removed because of tertiary hyperparathyroidism.
abstract: We have performed a submicroscopic analysis of the parathyroid glands removed from 2 patients with tertiary hyperparathyroidism. In both cases an RER-associated structure was found, which has never been described in normal or pathologic conditions in protein-secreting cells. This finding was present in only one of the glands of each patient. Their morphologic features are described. The significance of this structure is also discussed.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003594:Cytoplasmic Granules / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004721:Endoplasmic Reticulum / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D006801:Humans; D006961:Hyperparathyroidism / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008875:Middle Aged; D010280:Parathyroid Glands / Q000601:surgery / Q000648:ultrastructure*