Related Experiment Videos
Reduced cell-cell communication in experimentally induced autoimmune thyroid disease
L M Green1, M LaBue, J P Lazarus
1Research Service, J.L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Medical Center, Loma Linda, California 92357.
Endocrinology
|July 1, 1996
Summary
Autoimmune thyroid disease reduces cell-to-cell communication by decreasing gap junction proteins (connexins) in both mouse and rat models. This uncoupling persists even in cultured cells, suggesting a common mechanism contributing to hypothyroidism.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) is characterized by immune-mediated thyroid gland dysfunction.
- Previous studies identified reduced cell-cell communication and connexin abnormalities in a spontaneous mouse model of AITD.
- The universality of these findings in other AITD models remained uninvestigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether reduced thyroid epithelial cell-cell communication and connexin alterations are common features of AITD.
- To compare these findings in an induced rat model of AITD with a spontaneous mouse model.
Main Methods:
- Thyroiditis was induced in Lewis rats using thyroid extract and thyroglobulin.
- Connexin protein and mRNA expression, localization, and functional coupling were assessed in diseased and control thyroid tissues and cultured cells.
- Lucifer yellow dye transfer was used to measure intercellular communication.
Main Results:
- Induced thyroiditis in rats showed lymphocytic infiltration and increased MHC class II expression.
- Diseased rat thyroid tissue exhibited reduced levels of connexin 43, 32, and 26 mRNA and protein, with impaired gap junction assembly.
- Cultured diseased thyroid cells demonstrated a significant loss of functional coupling and intercellular communication compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Reduced gap junction assembly and deficient intercellular communication are common abnormalities in both spontaneous and induced models of autoimmune thyroid disease.
- This communication deficiency persists in cultured thyroid cells, independent of inflammatory infiltrates.
- The uncoupling of thyroid cells may contribute to impaired hormonal regulation and hypothyroidism in AITD.