Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 26, 2026

In vivo Characterization of Endocrine Disrupting Chemical Effects via Thyroid Hormone Action Indicator Mouse
Published on: October 6, 2023
Response of the thyroid gland of the lizard Podarcis sicula to endothelin-1
Francesca Virgilio1, Rosaria Sciarrillo, Vincenza Laforgia
1Dipartimento di Biologia Evolutiva e Comparata, Università di Napoli, Federico II, Napoli, Italy.
Abstract:
Although endothelins were originally discovered as peptides with vasoconstrictor activity, recent studies have indicated a number of endothelin (ET) induced hormonal functions in various tissues. We have studied the interaction of ET-1 with thyroid gland of the lizard Podarcis sicula. The effects of ET-1 administration on the plasma levels of the thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and TSH were stimulatory. Morphological changes in the thyroid after treatment with ET-1 were also detected: the height of the epithelial cells slightly increased and the apical surface acquired microvilli protruding into the follicular lumen. The colloid filled up the lumen and showed a rich peripheral vacuolation. In conclusion, a modulatory role in the control of the reptilian thyroid gland is suggested for ET-1. This is the first report on the interaction of ET-1 with the thyroid gland of reptilian.
Related Concept Videos
Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The iodine is then...
The Thyroid Gland
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
Regulation of Hormone Secretion
Humoral stimuli,...
Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology
Endocrine Signaling
Target Cell Response to Hormones
Notably, the cellular response can be regulated by altering the number of receptors expressed in the cell. For example, prolonged exposure to elevated hormone levels results in a gradual decline or down-regulation in the number of receptors for that specific hormone on the cell surface. Conversely, in response to low hormone levels, cells may use up-regulation, producing an...
