Oxyphil cells are a type of cell found in various organs and tissues of the human body. These cells are primarily characterized by their large, eosinophilic (pink-staining) cytoplasm that contains numerous mitochondria. The term "oxyphil" is derived from the Greek words "oxys," meaning acid, and "-phil," meaning affinity or attraction, reflecting their affinity for acidic stains.
Oxyphil cells are most commonly found in the parathyroid glands, where they constitute a significant proportion of the glandular tissue. In these glands, they are responsible for producing and secreting a hormone called parathyroid hormone (PTH), which plays a crucial role in regulating calcium and phosphate levels in the body. The abundance of mitochondria in their cytoplasm reflects their high metabolic activity, as PTH production requires substantial energy.
These cells can also be found in other organs, including the thyroid gland, salivary glands, and thymus. However, their function in these organs is not entirely understood. In the thyroid, oxyphil cells are believed to be involved in the synthesis and release of various thyroid hormones, although further research is needed to elucidate their exact role.
While oxyphil cells are typically considered to be a normal component of various tissues, their excessive proliferation or the presence of abnormal oxyphil cells can be indicative of certain pathological conditions, such as certain types of thyroid cancer or parathyroid adenomas.
In summary, oxyphil cells are specialized cells found in different organs characterized by their large, pink-staining cytoplasm, abundance of mitochondria, and involvement in hormone synthesis and secretion.
