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Assessment of the Metabolic Effects of Isocaloric 2:1 Intermittent Fasting in Mice
Published on: November 27, 2019
Thyroid C cell function during fasting and refeeding of young and old rats
Z Kmieć1, G Kotlarz, A Myśliwski
1Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical University, Gdańsk, Poland. zkmiec@amg.gda.pl
Folia Histochemica Et Cytobiologica
|June 12, 2002
Summary
Aging alters thyroid C-cell function, increasing calcitonin (CT) levels in older rats to maintain calcium homeostasis. This study reveals age-related changes in C-cell response to fasting and refeeding.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Gerontology
- Physiology
Background:
- Aging affects mineral homeostasis and organ function.
- Thyroid C-cell function, particularly calcitonin secretion, is not well understood in aging.
- Fasting and refeeding reveal age-related changes in thyroid follicular cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related changes in thyroid C-cell number and calcitonin secretion.
- To characterize C-cell response to fasting and refeeding in young versus old rats.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of C-cell counts and serum calcitonin levels in young (4 mo) and old (26 mo) male rats.
- Experimental groups included basal, 48-hour fasted, and refed (4 or 24 hours) conditions.
Main Results:
- Old rats exhibited a higher number of C-cells compared to young rats, both basally and after fasting/refeeding.
- Serum calcitonin levels were elevated in old rats under all conditions.
- Refeeding decreased calcitonin in young rats but increased it in old rats.
Conclusions:
- Aging is associated with increased C-cell number and elevated basal calcitonin levels.
- Despite altered calcitonin secretion patterns, calcium homeostasis is maintained in aged rats.
- These findings suggest significant alterations in C-cell function during the aging process.
