Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026

08:35
Complete Thymectomy in Adult Rats with Non-invasive Endotracheal Intubation
Published on: December 29, 2014
Skin morphology of thyroidectomized rats
M Tsujio1, K Yoshioka, M Satoh
1Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Kitasato University, 35-1 Higashi 23 Banchou, Towada, Aomori 034-8628, Japan.
Veterinary Pathology
|July 1, 2008
Summary
Hypothyroidism in rats, induced by thyroidectomy, led to skin changes including epidermal thinning and hair follicle atrophy. Reduced thyroid hormone receptors and cell proliferation were linked to retarded hair growth.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in skin and hair follicle homeostasis.
- Hypothyroidism, a condition of insufficient thyroid hormone, can manifest with dermatological symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of induced hypothyroidism on rat skin morphology, particularly the epidermis and hair follicles.
- To explore the relationship between thyroid hormone receptor expression, cell proliferation, and hair growth retardation in hypothyroid rats.
Main Methods:
- Hypothyroidism was induced in rats via thyroidectomy (TD).
- Skin morphology, epidermal thickness, and hair follicle characteristics were analyzed histologically.
- Immunoreactivity of thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) alpha and beta was assessed.
- Cell proliferation in hair follicles was evaluated.
Main Results:
- TD rats exhibited retarded hair growth, epidermal thinning, and hair follicle atrophy.
- Hair follicles showed features of the telogen phase with involution of bulbs and papillae.
- Reduced immunoreactivity for TRs alpha and beta was observed in the outer root sheaths of TD rats.
- Cell proliferation in hair follicles was significantly weaker in TD rats compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Induced hypothyroidism in rats leads to significant alterations in skin and hair follicle morphology.
- Decreased expression of thyroid hormone receptors and reduced cell proliferation in hair follicles are associated with hypothyroidism.
- These changes collectively contribute to the observed retardation of hair growth in hypothyroid rats.
Related Concept Videos
The Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck and covers the anterior surface of the trachea. The gland has two lateral lobes connected by a thin tissue mass called the isthmus. Internally, each lobe comprises many small spherical structures known as thyroid follicles, surrounded by a network of blood vessels.
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
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
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that activate TSH receptors, leading to excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and resulting in hyperthyroidism.Among all causes of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common and can happen at any age, though it is more frequent in women. It produces a hypermetabolic state with features such as weight loss, tachycardia, tremor, and heat...
Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state caused by elevated levels of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It results from dysregulation at the thyroid, pituitary, or immune system level and affects multiple organ systems.PathophysiologyThe most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies, specifically thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb), a subtype of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), bind to and activate TSH receptors...

