open access

Vol 45, No 2 (2007)
Original paper
Submitted: 2011-12-19
Published online: 2007-06-29
Get Citation

Alteration of parafollicular (C) cells activity in the experimental model of hypothyroidism in rats.

Robert Lukasz Zbucki, Maria Malgorzata Winnicka, Boguslaw Sawicki, Beata Szynaka, Anna Andrzejewska, Zbigniew Puchalski
Folia Histochem Cytobiol 2007;45(2):115-121.

open access

Vol 45, No 2 (2007)
ORIGINAL PAPERS
Submitted: 2011-12-19
Published online: 2007-06-29

Abstract

Our previous study has shown the alteration of C cells activity in rats with experimental model of hyperthyroidism. The aim of the present study was the evaluation of parafollicular cells activity in rats with hypothyroidism evoked by propylthiouracil (PTU) given in drinking water over 21 days. Histological, ultrastructural and immunocytochemical studies using specific antibodies against calcitonin and CGRP were performed on thyroid glands taken from experimental and control groups of rats. Moreover, in all animals the calcitonin plasma levels were evaluated by radioimmunoassay. After chronic administration of PTU, thyroid image showed predominant microfollicular hyperplasia and attenuated density of parafollicular cells. The intensity of immunocytochemical reactions for CT and CGRP were weaker in the majority of C cells in comparison to the control rats, in which strong immunocytochemical reaction was observed. Examination in the electron microscope reveals the features of hypoactivity both in follicular and parafollicular cells, in which the quantity and electron density of secretory granules were smaller in comparison to the control group. These microscopic changes were accompanied by a significant decrease of calcitonin plasma concentration. Alteration of C cells activity in the experimental model of hypothyroidism, accompanied by microfollicular hypertrophy, may point to the mutual cooperation between parafollicular and follicular cells.

Abstract

Our previous study has shown the alteration of C cells activity in rats with experimental model of hyperthyroidism. The aim of the present study was the evaluation of parafollicular cells activity in rats with hypothyroidism evoked by propylthiouracil (PTU) given in drinking water over 21 days. Histological, ultrastructural and immunocytochemical studies using specific antibodies against calcitonin and CGRP were performed on thyroid glands taken from experimental and control groups of rats. Moreover, in all animals the calcitonin plasma levels were evaluated by radioimmunoassay. After chronic administration of PTU, thyroid image showed predominant microfollicular hyperplasia and attenuated density of parafollicular cells. The intensity of immunocytochemical reactions for CT and CGRP were weaker in the majority of C cells in comparison to the control rats, in which strong immunocytochemical reaction was observed. Examination in the electron microscope reveals the features of hypoactivity both in follicular and parafollicular cells, in which the quantity and electron density of secretory granules were smaller in comparison to the control group. These microscopic changes were accompanied by a significant decrease of calcitonin plasma concentration. Alteration of C cells activity in the experimental model of hypothyroidism, accompanied by microfollicular hypertrophy, may point to the mutual cooperation between parafollicular and follicular cells.
Get Citation
About this article
Title

Alteration of parafollicular (C) cells activity in the experimental model of hypothyroidism in rats.

Journal

Folia Histochemica et Cytobiologica

Issue

Vol 45, No 2 (2007)

Article type

Original paper

Pages

115-121

Published online

2007-06-29

Page views

1731

Article views/downloads

1691

Bibliographic record

Folia Histochem Cytobiol 2007;45(2):115-121.

Authors

Robert Lukasz Zbucki
Maria Malgorzata Winnicka
Boguslaw Sawicki
Beata Szynaka
Anna Andrzejewska
Zbigniew Puchalski

Regulations

Important: This website uses cookies. More >>

The cookies allow us to identify your computer and find out details about your last visit. They remembering whether you've visited the site before, so that you remain logged in - or to help us work out how many new website visitors we get each month. Most internet browsers accept cookies automatically, but you can change the settings of your browser to erase cookies or prevent automatic acceptance if you prefer.

By VM Media Group sp z o.o., ul. Świętokrzyska 73, 80–180 Gdańsk

tel.:+48 58 320 94 94, faks:+48 58 320 94 60, e-mail:  viamedica@viamedica.pl