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Central ghrelin affects pituitary-thyroid axis: histomorphological and hormonal study in rats
Branka Sosić-Jurjević1, Darko Stevanović, Verica Milosević
1Institute for Biological Research Sinisa Stanković, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia. brankica@ibiss.bg.ac.yu
Neuroendocrinology
|January 6, 2009
Summary
Central ghrelin administration impacts the pituitary-thyroid axis in male rats. This study found ghrelin reduces thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and alters thyroid function, affecting body weight regulation.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
Background:
- Body weight regulation involves energy intake and expenditure balance.
- Ghrelin and thyroid function interactions are primarily known in disease states.
- The effect of central ghrelin on the pituitary-thyroid axis in healthy young adults is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of intracerebroventricular ghrelin administration on the pituitary-thyroid axis structure and function in young adult male rats.
Main Methods:
- Rats received daily intracerebroventricular injections of ghrelin or vehicle for five days.
- Pituitary and thyroid tissues were analyzed using histological, immunohistochemical, and morphometric methods.
- Serum levels of TSH, T4, and T3 were quantified.
Main Results:
- Ghrelin increased pituitary weight but decreased TSH-immunopositive cell size and density.
- Serum TSH and total T4 levels were significantly reduced in ghrelin-treated rats.
- Thyroid morphology showed increased hypofunctioning follicles with flattened epithelium and colloid distension.
Conclusions:
- Central ghrelin administration modulates pituitary thyrotroph characteristics and suppresses TSH secretion.
- Ghrelin alters thyroid gland morphology and function, leading to decreased serum T4 levels.
- These findings suggest a role for central ghrelin in regulating thyroid hormone homeostasis.
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