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Immunization against vasoactive intestinal peptide does not affect thyroid hormone secretion or thyroid blood flow
M Michalkiewicz1, L J Huffman, M Dey
1Department of Physiology, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown 26506.
The American Journal of Physiology
|June 1, 1994
Summary
Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in thyroid nerves does not regulate thyroid hormones or blood flow. Studies show VIP does not mediate thyroid vascular changes, even during iodine deficiency.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Physiology
Background:
- Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is found in thyroid parasympathetic nerves.
- Its role in thyroid function and blood flow regulation is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the involvement of endogenous VIP in regulating thyroid function.
- To determine if VIP mediates thyroid vascular adjustments during iodine deficiency.
Main Methods:
- Systemic immunization against VIP or transection of superior laryngeal nerves in rats.
- Measurement of thyroid hormones and thyroid blood flow (TBF) at various time points.
- Administration of VIP antibody to rats on an iodine-deficient diet.
Main Results:
- Neither VIP immunization nor nerve transection altered thyroid hormone levels or TBF in normal rats.
- VIP immunoneutralization did not affect thyroid hormones or TBF in iodine-deficient rats.
- Passive immunization against VIP reduced prolactin levels and blood flow to other organs (duodenum, stomach, lung).
Conclusions:
- Endogenous VIP in thyroid nerves does not play a significant role in basal thyroid hormone secretion or TBF.
- VIP does not mediate thyroid vascular adjustments in response to iodine deficiency.