The early development of the median thyroid gland of the mouse

Summary

The mesobranchial area and the median thyroid anlage of embryonic albino mice were investigated from the somite stage 4 to 40 (81/2–10 days of gestation). In stage I (5–25 somites), there is an unequal growth and differentiation of the epithelium in the floor of the pharynx, whereby a mesobranchial area with a stratified or pseudostratified epithelium is formed. This area is distinct from the remaining pharyngeal epithelium, among other things by an apical microfilament system in the superficial epithelial cells. It is found just basal to a row of plump cytoplasmic protrusions, which extend into the lumen of the pharynx. In stage II (26–40 somites), the cranial part (median thyroid anlage) of the mesobranchial area thickens in relation to the caudal part and grows down into the underlying mesenchyme. The filament system is concentrated in the superficial cell layer of the median thyroid anlage at the beginning of stage II and disappears during downgrowth.

In both stages, but most pronounced in stage II, there is a population of 0.1–5 μ intracellular bodies, which occasionally contain the remains of organelles. The larger bodies, which often contain the remains of nuclei, are usually found peripherally while the smaller ones are more evenly distributed. Acid phosphatase can often be demonstrated histochemically in small bodies, while larger bodies are usually without reaction. Cells with pycnotic nuclei and/or degenerated cytoplasmic components are regularly found. Acid phosphatase can also be demonstrated in Golgi complexes and surrounding vesicles. Basal to the epithelium, bodies are occasionally found which may possibly have been extruded from that tissue.