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Iodine-induced autoimmune thyroiditis in NOD-H-2h4 mice
L Rasooly1, C L Burek, N R Rose
1Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Hygiene and Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA.
Clinical Immunology and Immunopathology
|December 1, 1996
Summary
Excess iodine intake can trigger autoimmune thyroiditis in mice. This study found that iodine-treated male mice showed higher rates of thyroid lesions and thyroglobulin antibodies compared to females.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Excess iodine intake is linked to autoimmune thyroiditis in humans and animal models.
- The NOD-H-2h4 mouse strain spontaneously develops autoimmune thyroiditis without diabetes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the time course and sex-related differences in iodine-induced autoimmune thyroiditis in NOD-H-2h4 mice.
- To analyze the antibody responses associated with iodine-induced thyroiditis.
Main Methods:
- NOD-H-2h4 mice were administered water with or without 0.05% iodine for 8 weeks.
- Thyroid lesions, serum thyroxine (T4) levels, and specific autoantibodies (thyroglobulin, thyroid peroxidase) were assessed.
- Antibody isotypes (IgG2a, IgG2b, IgM, IgA, IgG1, IgG3) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Iodine treatment induced thyroid lesions in 54% of females and 70% of males, compared to 1/20 controls.
- Thyroglobulin-specific antibodies, primarily IgG2a, IgG2b, and IgM, increased with iodine treatment.
- IgG2b thyroglobulin antibodies correlated with the presence of thyroid lesions; T4 levels remained unchanged.
Conclusions:
- Excess iodine ingestion is a significant factor in the development of autoimmune thyroiditis in susceptible mouse models.
- Sex differences exist in the susceptibility to iodine-induced thyroiditis, with males exhibiting higher lesion rates.
- Specific antibody isotypes, particularly IgG2b, may serve as indicators of iodine-induced autoimmune thyroiditis.