Preliminary immunohistochemical investigations of thyroid C cells in an experimental model of hyperthyroidism.
The role of the parafollicular (C) cells, the second most important cells in the thyroid gland, has not hitherto been clarified. They are considered to be disperse neuroendocrine cells of the APUD system and synthesise and release many of the regulatory peptides. Few publications are concerned with the evaluation of the structure and function of C cells in the thyroid gland or the probable relationship between these cells and the follicular cells in physiological and pathological conditions. For this reason immunohistochemical investigations were carried out into the activity of the C cells in rats in an experimental model of hyperthyroidism caused by chronic thyroxine influence. This C-cell activity was then evaluated. Differences in the quantity, distribution and calcitonin immunoreactivity of C cells were observed in hyperthyroid rats in comparison to the control group, together with a significant diminution of plasma TSH and calcitonin levels. Our preliminary study may indicate a functional interaction between follicular and parafollicular cells in the thyroid gland.
Dadan
Jacek
J
1st Department of General and Endocrinological Surgery, Medical University, Białystok, Poland. klchirog@amb.edu.pl
Zbucki R
Robert Ł
RŁ
Sawicki
Bogusław
B
Bialuk
Izabela
I
Zawadzka
Agnieszka
A
Winnicka
Maria M
MM
Puchalski
Zbigniew
Z
D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D002116:Calcitonin / Q000097:blood; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006980:Hyperthyroidism / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007274:Injections, Intraperitoneal; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D013972:Thyrotropin / Q000097:blood; D013974:Thyroxine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology
D015415:Biomarkers; D013972:Thyrotropin; D002116:Calcitonin; D013974:Thyroxine