Análise da matriz extracelular do ligamento suspensor da glândula tireiode (Ligamento de Berry) em fetos humanos

Abstract

This work aimed to make the histological and histochemical analysis of the fibrous and non- fibrous components of the extracellular matrix of the suspensory ligament of the thyroid. Ten human fetuses were use for dissection of the Berry ligament and the specimens were fixed, histologically prepared and stained by Masson's trichrome, picrosyrius-hematoxylin, reticulin and Verhoeff methods. The specimens of the thyroid gland analyzed were in the 10th week of embryonic development, in their parenchyma there was coexistence of both the cordonal and follicular phases. The follicles visualized were rudimentary and did not contain colloid. In the microscopic analysis, the level of collagenization varied between the superficial and deep layer of the Berry’s ligament, the latter being more fibrous, and a fact that justifies its anchorage function. Longitudinal sections of the Berry’s ligament, stained with picrosirius-hematoxylin, showed well organize, birefringent bundles of collagens arranged in parallel. It was verified that the collagen fibers were arranged in parallel and with uniform distribution along the ligament, whereas the elastic fibers were found in greater concentration in the deep region of the Berry’s ligament.