Evaluation of the role of mammalian thyroid parafollicular cells

In this report recent views are presented on the role of the parafollicular cells (PF) in the mammalian thyroid. Contemporary studies indicate morphological and functional heterogeneity of the PF cell population. In normal conditions most PF cells synthesize and secrete calcitonin (CT) and therefore they are frequently referred to as C cells. It seems however, that the contribution to the regional intrathyroidal regulation of secretion and growth processes is also an important role of all functionally mature PF cells of APUD (amine precursor uptake and decarboxylation) series. This has been confirmed by the latest reports on PF cells secreting numerous regulatory peptides (RP) usually defined as "paracrine" and/or "autocrine factors". These peptides are produced jointly with other RP in the same PF cells. Some of RP like CT, somatostatin, katacalcin I (CCP-I), CCP-II, gastrin-releasing peptide, thyroliberin and helodermin have been found in the PF cells, exclusively. Other RP, including calcitonin gene-related peptide, N-terminal peptide, neuromedin U, cholecystokinin and secretory peptide-I, have been simultaneously observed in the PF cells and intrathyroidal nerve fibres. Genetic mechanisms involved in RP production in the PF cells and possible path ways by which these peptides affect the adjacent follicular cells in the thyroid are discussed.