Vol 62, No 4 (2003)
Original article
Published online: 2003-09-05
Preliminary immunohistochemical investigations of thyroid C cells in an experimental model of hyperthyroidism
Folia Morphol 2003;62(4):319-321.
Abstract
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.
Keywords: C cellshyperthyroidismcalcitonin immunoreactivity