Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 7, 2026

An Orthotopic Mouse Model of Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma
07:01

An Orthotopic Mouse Model of Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma

Published on: April 17, 2013

Tetanus toxin interactions with the thyroid: decreased toxin binding to membranes from a thyroid tumor with a

W H Habig, E F Grollman, F D Ledley

    Endocrinology
    |March 1, 1978
    PubMed

    Insights

    Tetanus toxin binds to rat thyroid membranes, suggesting it may interact with thyrotropin receptors. This interaction causes thyroid radioiodine release, potentially explaining symptoms seen in tetanus and thyroid storm.

    Area of Science:

    • Neuroscience
    • Endocrinology
    • Toxicology

    Background:

    • Tetanus toxin is known for its neurotoxic effects.
    • Thyrotropin receptors are crucial for thyroid hormone regulation.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the interaction between tetanus toxin and thyroid membranes.
    • To determine if tetanus toxin affects thyroid function.

    Main Methods:

    • Incubation of normal and tumor rat thyroid membranes with tetanus toxin.
    • Binding assays using 125I-labeled tetanus toxin and [125I]iodothyrotropin.
    • Measurement of radioiodine release from mouse thyroids after tetanus toxin administration.

    Main Results:

    • Normal thyroid membranes adsorbed tetanus toxin, while tumor membranes with a thyrotropin receptor defect did not.
    • Tetanus toxin binding correlated with [125I]iodothyrotropin binding defects.
    • Tetanus toxin induced significant radioiodine release from mouse thyroids, accelerated by stress.

    Conclusions:

    • Tetanus toxin appears to interact with thyrotropin receptors on thyroid plasma membranes.
    • This interaction can lead to thyroid dysfunction.
    • The findings may offer insights into clinical syndromes involving tetanus and thyroid storm.

    More Related Videos

    Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach for Thyroid Lobectomy05:12

    Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach for Thyroid Lobectomy

    Published on: May 12, 2023

    Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model04:39

    Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model

    Published on: March 17, 2023

    Related Concept Videos

    Hormones and Bone Tissue01:17

    Hormones and Bone Tissue

    The endocrine system produces and secretes hormones, which interact with the skeletal system. These hormones control bone growth, maintain bone once it is formed, and remodel it.
    Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
    Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
    Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis01:21

    Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis

    Calcium is not only the most abundant mineral in bone but also the most abundant mineral in the human body. Calcium ions are needed for bone mineralization, tooth health, heart rate regulation and strength of contraction, blood coagulation, the contraction of smooth and skeletal muscle cells, and the regulation of nerve impulse conduction. The average calcium level in the blood is about 10 mg/dL. When the body cannot maintain this level, a person will experience hypo or hypercalcemia.
    Directly Acting Muscle Relaxants: Dantrolene and Botulinum Toxin01:26

    Directly Acting Muscle Relaxants: Dantrolene and Botulinum Toxin

    Directly acting muscle relaxants like dantrolene and botulinum toxin (BoNT) have distinct mechanisms and applications. Dantrolene, a hydantoin derivative, acts on the ryanodine receptor (RYR1) in skeletal muscle cells. RYR1 are calcium channels present at the sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane. In response to excitation, they release calcium ions from the sarcoplasmic reticulum to the cytosol. Calcium promotes actin-myosin-mediated contraction of muscles.
    The binding of dantrolene to the RYR1...
    Synthesis and Functions of Calcitonin00:51

    Synthesis and Functions of Calcitonin

    Calcitonin, a vital polypeptide hormone, regulates calcium levels within body fluids. It is released by the parafollicular cells, also known as C cells, situated in the follicular epithelium of the thyroid gland. Calcitonin responds to fluctuations in blood calcium levels and the influence of gastrointestinal hormones like gastrin and cholecystokinin.
    The exact mechanisms by which calcitonin operates in calcium homeostasis remain elusive, but its significance is evident in several vital...
    Tetanus01:29

    Tetanus

    Tetanus is a life-threatening neurological disorder characterized by persistent muscle contractions and spastic paralysis. It is caused by Clostridium tetani, a motile, Gram-positive, rod-shaped, obligate anaerobe. These bacteria produce terminal endospores, giving them a distinctive “lollipop” or “tennis-racket” appearance. They thrive in anaerobic environments, such as those found in deep puncture wounds.Once introduced into the body, the spores germinate into vegetative cells. These cells...
    Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology01:24

    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...