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Mouse Thyroid Gland Changes in Aging: Implication of Galectin-3 and Sphingomyelinase
Giovanna Traina1, Samuela Cataldi1, Paola Siccu2
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.
Mediators of Inflammation
|January 30, 2018
Summary
Aging significantly alters the thyroid gland in mice, affecting thyrocyte structure and the expression of key molecules like thyrotropin and galectin-3. These changes may contribute to age-related thyroid dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Endocrinology
- Thyroid Research
Background:
- Thyroid dysfunction is common in older adults, impacting cognition.
- The specific effects of aging on the thyroid gland structure and molecular function require further clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of aging on the thyroid gland microstructure and molecular composition in mice.
- To compare the thyroid glands of very old mice with those of younger mice.
Main Methods:
- Comparative histological analysis of thyroid glands from young and old mice.
- Immunohistochemical assessment of thyrotropin, thyrotropin receptor, thyroglobulin, galectin-3, and neutral sphingomyelinase expression and localization.
Main Results:
- Aging induced changes in thyrocyte height and interfollicular space amplitude.
- Upregulation and altered localization of thyrotropin, thyrotropin receptor, and thyroglobulin were observed in aged thyroids.
- Increased expression of galectin-3 and delocalization of neutral sphingomyelinase were noted in older mice.
Conclusions:
- Aging significantly alters thyroid gland microstructure and molecular expression in mice.
- Changes in thyrotropin, thyroglobulin, galectin-3, and sphingomyelinase suggest a role in age-related thyroid alterations.
- Further research is warranted to explore the functional implications of these age-associated thyroid changes.
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