Related Experiment Videos
Thyroid follicular cells: the resting membrane potential and the communication network
Pflugers Archiv : European Journal of Physiology
|August 1, 1981
Summary
Thyroid follicular cells exhibit electrical properties, including membrane potential and resistance, crucial for gland function. These cells show intercellular electrical coupling, indicating coordinated activity within the thyroid gland.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cellular Physiology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Thyroid follicular cells are essential for hormone synthesis and secretion.
- Understanding their electrical properties is key to comprehending thyroid gland function and regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro electrophysiological properties of thyroid follicular cells from rats, rabbits, and guinea-pigs.
- To characterize membrane potential, input resistance, time constant, and intercellular coupling.
Main Methods:
- Intracellular microelectrode recordings were performed on isolated thyroid follicular cells.
- Passive permeability was assessed by altering ion concentrations in the superfusate.
- Intercellular coupling was measured by recording from adjacent cells.
Main Results:
- Mean transmembrane potentials ranged from -60 to -70 mV.
- Membrane potential in rat thyroids was primarily dependent on the potassium (K+) gradient.
- Input resistance was approximately 11 MΩ, and time constants varied from 5-35 ms.
- Electrical coupling was observed between cells <15 µm apart.
Conclusions:
- Thyroid follicular cells possess distinct electrical characteristics influencing their function.
- Intercellular coupling suggests coordinated cellular activity within the thyroid gland.
- Potassium ions play a significant role in maintaining membrane potential.