Response of the thyroid gland of the lizard Podarcis sicula to endothelin-1.
Although endothelins were originally discovered as peptides with vasoconstrictor activity, recent studies have indicated a number of endothelin (ET) induced hormonal functions in various tissues. We have studied the interaction of ET-1 with thyroid gland of the lizard Podarcis sicula. The effects of ET-1 administration on the plasma levels of the thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and TSH were stimulatory. Morphological changes in the thyroid after treatment with ET-1 were also detected: the height of the epithelial cells slightly increased and the apical surface acquired microvilli protruding into the follicular lumen. The colloid filled up the lumen and showed a rich peripheral vacuolation. In conclusion, a modulatory role in the control of the reptilian thyroid gland is suggested for ET-1. This is the first report on the interaction of ET-1 with the thyroid gland of reptilian.
Virgilio
Francesca
F
Dipartimento di Biologia Evolutiva e Comparata, Università di Napoli, Federico II, Napoli, Italy.
Sciarrillo
Rosaria
R
Laforgia
Vincenza
V
Varano
Lorenzo
L
D000818:Animals; D019332:Endothelin-1 / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008116:Lizards / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology*; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D013963:Thyroid Hormones / Q000097:blood; D013972:Thyrotropin / Q000097:blood
D019332:Endothelin-1; D013963:Thyroid Hormones; D013972:Thyrotropin