Estimation of the parathyroid parenchymal cell mass by density gradients.

The density of parathyroid glands was estimated by a density gradient technique. Glandular density was found to be closely related to the parenchymal cell content as estimated with an image-analyzing computer in serial sections. The density gradient technique can therefore be used to determine the relative parenchymal content of parathyroid glands. The density gradient measurements are rapid and reproducible and constitute a suitable method for determining the parathyroid parenchymal cell mass. The convenience of the technique suggests that it should be very useful for intraoperative diagnosis.