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Increased thyroidal fat and goitrous hypothyroidism induced by interferon-gamma
Hiroaki Kimura1, Miho Kimura, William H Westra
1Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, USA.
International Journal of Experimental Pathology
|April 7, 2005
Summary
Chronic exposure to interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in transgenic mice causes hypothyroidism and significant thyroid enlargement. This study reveals IFN-gamma induces macrophage infiltration and fat accumulation in the thyroid gland.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis involves lymphocytic infiltration and cytokine production, including interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma).
- Previous studies showed transgenic mice expressing IFN-gamma develop hypothyroidism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate long-term thyroid gland changes induced by chronic IFN-gamma exposure.
- To analyze the effects of IFN-gamma on thyroid histology and composition.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of 202 mice (96 transgenic, 106 controls) aged 0-650 days.
- Multiple linear regression analysis to assess the impact of IFN-gamma on body and thyroid size.
- Histopathological examination of transgenic thyroid tissues.
Main Results:
- Transgenic mice were smaller and had 5-6 fold larger thyroids compared to controls.
- Thyroid follicles were enlarged and lined by abnormal thyrocytes.
- Thyroid stroma showed macrophage infiltration and increased fat content.
Conclusions:
- Chronic IFN-gamma exposure leads to hypothyroidism, thyroid enlargement, and macrophage infiltration.
- IFN-gamma induces adipocyte expansion in the thyroid, suggesting a link between inflammation and fat accumulation.
- Findings highlight the complex interplay between immune response and thyroid function.