Ultrastructure of the C cells forming adenoma-like nodules of the thyroid in experimental hypervitaminosis A.

The degranulation of the C cells, their hypertrophy and hyperplasia leading to the formation adenoma-like nodules were observed under conditions of prolonged hypervitaminosis A which causes bone damage without associated hypercalcemia. These changes which are probably the morphologic manifestation of the increased requirement of the body for calcitonin, connected with the damage of the bone tissue seem to indicate that calcitonin is an important factor essential for the protection of skeleton from its excessive mineralization.