Ultrastructural changes in the rat thyroid gland during iodine deficiency

Thyroid ultrastructure changes were studied during the course of a low iodine diet in rats. At day 20, follicles were normal, but a number of them contained cells of higher density and with greatly elongated microvilli. Endoplasmic reticulum cisternae were frequently dilated. From day 20 until day 80, the most characteristic changes in the thyroid cells were the progressive accumulation of subapical peroxidase-positive exocytotic vesicles. After 80 days of the low iodine treatment, Golgi apparatuses were very active. Cell division could be observed. At this stage, exocytotic vesicles were generally very abundant. These data suggest that the remarkable accumulation of subapical exocytotic vesicles between day 20 and day 120 might represent an adaptation to the moderate and gradual increase in TSH stimulation that occurs in the conditions of low iodine diet.