Development of a Novel Thyroid Function Fluctuated Animal Model for Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Endocrinology
• Animal Modeling

Background:

• Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) research requires stable animal models.
• Clinical observation links I-131 treatment to TAO development.
• A novel model simulating fluctuating thyroid function in TAO patients is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a novel animal model of TAO with fluctuating thyroid function.
• To simulate the clinical treatment process of TAO patients.
• To provide a stable model for TAO pathogenesis and treatment research.

Main Methods:

• Rats were treated with I-131 to induce thyroid damage, followed by sodium levothyroxine supplementation to create fluctuating thyroid hormone levels.
• Control rats received normal saline.
• Measurements included weight, intraocular pressure, serum thyroid hormones (T3, T4, TSH), and TRAb levels, alongside histological analysis (H&E, TEM).

Main Results:

• TAO model rats showed reduced weight and elevated intraocular pressure compared to controls.
• Serum T3 and T4 levels increased, while TSH decreased in the TAO group.
• Orbital tissues exhibited increased vascularization, inflammatory cell infiltration, myofibril damage, and cellular ultrastructural changes (mitochondrial swelling, ER vacuoles, nerve fiber abnormalities).

Conclusions:

• The established I-131 and sodium levothyroxine treated rat model effectively replicates clinical TAO characteristics.
• This method provides a simple and stable approach for TAO research.
• The model is suitable for investigating TAO pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies.