In situ cellular level Raman spectroscopy of the thyroid

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Spectroscopy
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Lithium is a common treatment for bipolar disorder.
• Lithium is known to affect thyroid function.
• Thyroid biochemistry is complex and not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel Raman spectroscopy method for in situ cellular level analysis of the thyroid.
• To investigate the impact of lithium on thyroid biochemistry.
• To understand the role of tyrosine in thyroid function.

Main Methods:

• Thyroids were harvested from control and lithium-treated mice.
• A confocal Raman spectroscopy setup with a 514 nm laser and 20 µm spot size was used.
• Raman spectra were acquired from the follicular lumen of the thyroid.

Main Results:

• Raman peaks corresponding to tyrosine were observed at 1440, 1656, and 1746 cm⁻¹.
• Additional peaks were observed at 563, 1087, 1265, and 1301 cm⁻¹.
• Lithium treatment led to an increase in tyrosine peaks, indicating tyrosine buildup.

Conclusions:

• Raman spectroscopy is a viable method for studying thyroid biochemistry in situ.
• Lithium treatment causes an accumulation of tyrosine in the thyroid.
• This technique can be used to study the effects of various exogenous treatments on thyroid function.