Related Experiment Videos
Starvation induced hypothyroidism involves perturbations in thyroid superoxide-SOD system in pigeons
P Prem1, M S Parihar, L Malini
1Department of Zoology, Govt. College Chachaura-Binagani, India.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology International
|June 23, 1998
Summary
Starvation in pigeons induces oxidative stress in the thyroid gland, increasing superoxide radicals and decreasing antioxidant enzyme activity. This disruption contributes to a hypothyroid state by potentially damaging thyroid proteins.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Avian Physiology
- Oxidative Stress Research
Background:
- Thyroid hormones are crucial for avian metabolism and development.
- Starvation can induce physiological stress, impacting various organ systems.
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a role in cellular damage and disease states.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of prolonged starvation on thyroidal redox status in Indian rock pigeons.
- To correlate changes in thyroidal superoxide radical levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity with thyroid hormone profiles.
- To understand the role of oxidative stress in starvation-induced hypothyroidism in birds.
Main Methods:
- Induction of starvation for up to seven days in Indian rock pigeons (Columba livia intermedia).
- Measurement of serum thyroid hormones (thyroxine [T4] and triiodothyronine [T3]).
- Assessment of thyroidal superoxide radical levels using spin-trapping techniques.
- Assay of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in thyroid tissue.
Main Results:
- Starvation led to an initial increase in thyroidal superoxide and iodide free radicals with decreased SOD activity on day 1.
- SOD activity recovered by days 2-3, effectively scavenging radicals.
- By days 5-7, superoxide radicals resurged with decreased SOD activity, indicating oxidative stress and disrupted homeostasis.
- Both T4 and T3 levels decreased significantly, confirming a hypothyroid state.
Conclusions:
- Long-term starvation disrupts the pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance in avian thyroid glands, leading to oxidative stress.
- Thyroidal superoxide anion (O2.-) generation and reduced SOD activity during starvation contribute to a hypothyroid condition.
- Oxidative inactivation of thyroid proteins by radical attack is a potential mechanism underlying starvation-induced hypothyroidism in pigeons.