Structural and ultrastructural differentiation of the thyroid gland during embryogenesis in the grass snake Natrix natrix L. (Lepidosauria, Serpentes)

The differentiation of the thyroid primordium of reptilian species is poorly understood. The present study reports on structural and ultrastructural studies of the developing thyroid gland in embryos of the grass snake Natrix natrix L. At the time of oviposition, the thyroid primordium occupied its final position in the embryos. Throughout developmental stages I–IV, the undifferentiated thyroid primordium contained cellular cords, and the plasma membranes of adjacent cells formed junctional complexes. Subsequently, the first follicular lumens started to form. The follicular lumens were of intracellular origin, as in other vertebrate species, but the mechanism of their formation is as yet unclear. At developmental stages V–VI, the thyroid anlage was composed of small follicles with lumens and cellular cords. Cells of the thyroid primordium divided, and follicles were filled with a granular substance. At developmental stage VI, the cells surrounding the follicular lumen were polarized, the apical cytoplasm contained dark granules and the Golgi complex and the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) developed gradually. Resorption of the colloid began at developmental stage VIII. At the end of this stage, the embryonic thyroid gland was surrounded by a definitive capsule. During developmental stages IX–X, the follicular cells contained granules and vesicles of different sizes and electron densities and a well-developed Golgi apparatus and RER. At developmental stage XI, most follicles were outlined by squamous epithelial cells and presented wide lumens filled with a light colloid. The Golgi complex and RER showed changes in their morphology indicating a decrease in the activity of the thyroid gland. At developmental stage XII, the activity of the embryonic thyroid gradually increased, and at the time of hatching, it exhibited the features of a fully active gland.