Evaluation and characterization of congenital hypothyroidism in rdw dwarf rats

The rdw rat is a new strain of dwarf mutant that has decreased blood thyroxine (T4) and growth hormone (GH) concentrations and testicular enlargement during development and aging. To confirm whether this strain can be used as a new hypothyroid model, the experiments reported here were carried out, using adult rdw rats, rdw rats treated with thyroxine, and clinically normal (N) Wistar-Imamichi rats. Clinical parameters of deficient thyroid function in rdw rats were chosen for evaluation and characterization. Body weight, hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, hematocrit (Hct), glucose (GLU), and systolic blood pressure were significantly lower, and serum values for aspartate transaminase (AST), total cholesterol (TC), total protein (TP), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were higher in rdw than in N rats. Serum concentrations of total T4 and free triiodothyronine (FT3) were significantly lower, and serum thyroid-stimulation hormone (TSH) concentration was markedly higher in rdw than in N rats. Serum GH concentration was significantly lower in rdw than in N rats. Results of histologic examination indicated that the thyroid gland of rdw rats was markedly atrophied, compared with that of N rats. Results of clinical examination of organs and hematologic and biochemical values in rdw rats corresponded to those of the hypothyroid state in humans. Most organ weights (heart, kidney, spleen, and adrenal gland), hematologic and biochemical values (Hb, Hct TC, TP, BUN), blood pressure, and serum hormone (TSH and GH) values underwent substantial restoration (partial or complete) toward normal in response to replacement therapy. In conclusion, the rdw rat is a useful model of congenital hypothyroidism.