3.2.2. Potassium dichromate treated group
Semi-thin sections of the thyroid gland of the potassium dichromate treated rats showed complete loss of the normal architecture of the thyroid gland. Disruption of the basal laminae of some follicles with their coalescence was detected (Fig. 4). Some follicles appeared distended with colloid lined with squamous epithelium, others were completely collapsed. Some follicles were degenerated and filled with exfoliated cells (Fig. 5). Disruption of the apical membranes of some thyrocytes with desquamated cytoplasm and nuclei inside the follicles was observed. Some thyrocytes appeared tall columnar with apical pseudopodia (Fig. 6). Vacuolization of the cytoplasm of some thyrocytes, variable densities of colloid staining and widening of the interfollicular space appeared in some sections (Fig. 7).