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Thyroid function in post-weaning rats whose dams were fed a low-protein diet during suckling
C F Ramos1, A P Lima, C V Teixeira
1Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade de Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
Summary
Maternal protein malnutrition during suckling causes temporary hypothyroidism in pups. Compensatory mechanisms restore thyroid hormone levels, but thyroid radioiodine uptake remains altered, suggesting long-term thyroid function changes.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Maternal nutrition significantly impacts offspring development.
- Protein deficiency during critical developmental periods can disrupt hormonal systems.
- Thyroid hormones are crucial for growth and metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of maternal low-protein diet during lactation on thyroid and pituitary hormone levels in post-weaning rats.
- To assess the recovery of thyroid function after nutritional rehabilitation.
Main Methods:
- Rat pups were exposed to a low-protein (8%) diet via maternal intake during suckling.
- Control groups received a standard 22% protein diet.
- Hormone levels (T3, T4, TSH) and radioiodine uptake were measured at 21, 30, and 60 days post-weaning.
- Nutritional intervention involved switching all dams and pups to a 22% protein diet after weaning.
Main Results:
- At 21 days, pups exhibited decreased triiodothyronine (T3) and slightly increased thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), indicating hypothyroidism.
- By 30 days, thyroxine (T4) and radioiodine uptake significantly increased, suggesting a compensatory response.
- At 60 days, serum hormone levels normalized, but radioiodine uptake remained elevated, indicating persistent thyroid alteration.
Conclusions:
- Maternal protein deficiency during suckling induces transient hypothyroidism in offspring.
- A compensatory hyperthyroid state emerges upon refeeding, with normalized serum hormone levels.
- Persistent alterations in thyroid radioiodine uptake suggest long-term changes in thyroid gland function despite hormonal normalization.