Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Real Time In Vivo Tracking of Thymocytes in the Anterior Chamber of the Eye by Laser Scanning Microscopy
Published on: October 2, 2018
Triiodothyronine modulates thymocyte migration
M M Ribeiro-Carvalho1, K R F Lima-Quaresma1, T Mouço1
1Laboratory on Thymus Research, Department of Immunology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, BrazilMiguelote Viana Central Laboratory, Niterói, BrazilLaboratory of Inflammation, Department of Physiology and Pharmacodynamics, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil;Department of Histology and Embryology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3) enhances extracellular matrix (ECM) production in the thymus. This boosts thymocyte migration, crucial for T-cell development.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Triiodothyronine (T3) influences thymus physiology.
- T3 stimulates thymic microenvironmental cells to increase extracellular matrix (ECM) production.
- ECM moieties are critical for thymocyte migration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo effects of T3 on ECM production.
- To examine the influence of T3 on ECM-related T-cell migration events.
Main Methods:
- BALB/c mice received long-term (30 days) or short-term (16 h) T3 treatment.
- Expression of fibronectin and laminin was analyzed in thymic lobules.
- Expression of ECM protein receptors (VLA-4, VLA-5, VLA-6) on thymocytes was assessed.
- In vitro studies used thymic nurse cells (TNC) and transwell chambers to evaluate thymocyte migration.
Main Results:
- T3 treatment increased fibronectin and laminin expression in the thymus.
- Long-term T3 treatment elevated ECM receptor expression on thymocytes.
- T3 administration enhanced thymocyte exit from TNC complexes ex vivo.
- T3-treated thymocytes showed increased migration across ECM-coated transwell inserts.
Conclusions:
- In vivo T3 treatments modulate thymocyte migration.
- ECM-mediated interactions are likely involved in T3-induced thymocyte migration.
- T3 plays a significant role in regulating thymocyte trafficking within the thymus.
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...
Functions of Thyroid Hormones
TH is indispensable for the normal development and maturation of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems during fetal and childhood growth. It facilitates bone mineral turnover and regulates protein synthesis in developing tissues, contributing significantly to overall growth and...
Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology
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...
Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology

