C cells in the thyroid of pinealectomized rats

Authors

  • Marcus Aurelho de Lima University of Uberaba
  • Lilian Margareth Biagioni de Lima University of Uberaba
  • Leandro Luís Lopes Freitas University of Uberaba
  • Patrícia Fernanda Toledo Barbosa University of Uberaba
  • Maria de Fátima Borges University of Uberaba
  • Luiz Reis University of Uberaba
  • Gilberto de Araujo Pereira University of Uberaba

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0041-87812003000100005

Keywords:

Thyroid, C Cells, Pineal Gland, Rat, Calcitonin

Abstract

PURPOSE: To study quantitatively C cells in the thyroids of non-isogenic rats to determine the possible effects of pinealectomy on the number of these cells, and consequently on the synthesis and secretion of calcitonin. METHODS: Twenty male rats of an outbred strain (200-300 g) were used in the present study. One group of 10 animals was pinealectomized 50 days prior to sacrifice. Thyroid tissue was stained for calcitonin (Dako Corporation) at a 1:1500 dilution. The number of C cells observed was expressed as number of cells/cm². Data were analyzed statistically by Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: The number of C cells in pinealectomized and normal animals ranged from 489 to 2084 per cm² and 227 to 1584 per cm², respectively, a difference that was statistically significant (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results showed consistent differences in the number of C cells after pinealectomy when compared to controls. We believe that pinealectomy increases the number of C cells in the rat thyroid.

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Published

2003-01-01

Issue

Vol. 58 No. 1 (2003)

Section

Original Articles

How to Cite

Lima, M. A. de, Lima, L. M. B. de, Freitas, L. L. L., Barbosa, P. F. T., Borges, M. de F., Reis, L., & Pereira, G. de A. (2003). C cells in the thyroid of pinealectomized rats . Revista Do Hospital Das Clínicas, 58(1), 21-26. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0041-87812003000100005