[Analytical ion microscopy, a new approach to the study of iodine and sulfur in the thyroid gland].

Images of distribution of stable iodine and sulfur in mouse thyroid gland have been obtained by ion microscopy. These images give new information related to iodine and sulfur load of thyroglobulin and to the intensity of iodine concentration in lysosomes of thyroid cells. In 4 month old mice, the lumen of some follicles is practically deprived of iodine, but rich in thyroglobulin, whereas all are iodinated in adult mice of 10 months.