RESUMO
Twenty adult healthy geese were utilized in this work, where their parathyroids were removed after slaughter [7 pairs of parathyroids; R and L for histology [L.M.], 7 pairs for histochemistry and 6 pairs for electron microscopy]. The results revealed that, parathyroids of goose were one on each side, in a close proximaity to, the caudal extremity of each thyroid gland on the same side. The glands were invested in a thick capsule, which could be differentiated in some areas into an outer dense more alcianophilic, and an inner looser and less alcianophilic. The stroma was rich in thick branched trabeculae with high vascularity, mast cells were difficult to be seen. The main cell types forming the parenchyma were numerous small basophilic and darkly stained cells, few large light or clear chief cells with slightly vesicular nuclei. Small circumscribed groups of large cells, with vacuolated cytoplasm and large vesicular nuclei, were seen in few areas surrounded by dense branched trabeculae. There were no oxyphil cells. The enzymatic reactions revealed a strong SDH and acid phosphatase reaction, but moderate reaction was for alkaline phosphatase and non-specific esterase. The electron microscopy revealed numerous mitochondria and rER in the dark chief cells more than in lighter chief cells. Few glycogen granules appeared in the light chief cells. Heterogeneous secretory granules were found, some of the light cells appeared binucleated. Pores of nuclear membranes were guarded by daphragms, the nucleoli of these cells were less prominent than in dark cells. Perivascular spaces were distinct. Transitional cells with irregular nuclei were seen by E/M. Other results were mentoined and discussed