scholarly journals Expression of Galectin-1 and Galectin-3 in Human Fetal Thyroid Gland

2003 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
pp. 479-483 ◽  
Author(s):  
Svetlana B. Savin ◽  
Dubravka S. Cvejić ◽  
Miroslava M. Janković

High levels of expression of galectin-1 and galectin-3, the β-galactoside-binding proteins, have been recently described in malignant thyroid tumors but not in adenomas nor in normal thyroid tissue. However, there are no data about the expression of these galectins during fetal thyroid development. In this study we analyzed immunohistochemically the presence of galectin-1 and galectin-3 in human fetal thyroid glands (16–37 weeks of gestation). Weak to moderate cytoplasmic staining for galectin-1 was observed in follicular cells of all fetal thyroids. Galectin-3 could not be detected in thyroid follicular cells of any fetal thyroid investigated. Both galectins were detected in stromal tissue, but staining for galectin-1 was more intense. The absence of galectin-3 in thyroid cells during fetal development suggests that galectin-3 is expressed de novo during malignant transformation of thyroid epithelium, and that galectin-1 could be considered an oncofetal antigen. The results obtained indicated potential roles for galectin-1 and galectin-3 during the investigated period of human fetal thyroid gland development. Both galectins might participate in developmental processes regarding stromal fetal thyroid tissue organization, whereas galectin-1 might have a function in thyroid epithelium maturation.

2003 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 186-186
Author(s):  
Dubravka Cvejic ◽  
Svetlana Savin-Zegarac ◽  
Ivan Paunovic ◽  
Svetislav Tatic ◽  
Marija Havelka

Background: Galectin-3 is an endogenous beta-galactoside binding lectin implicated in neoplastic transformation and tumor progression. High levels of this lectin have recently been found in malignant thyroid tumors, but not in normal or benign thyroid tissue, suggesting galectin-3 as a promising presurgical marker of thyroid malignancy. Methods: We analyzed immunohistochemically galectin-3 expression in thyroid tissue using a monoclonal antibody. The total of 108 tissue specimens included 55 cases of thyroid carcinoma (30 papillary, 15 follicular, and 10 anaplastic type), 15 samples of follicular adenoma, 15 samples of normal thyroid tissue, and 23 thyroid tissue specimens from human fetuses (16 to 37 weeks of intrauterine life). Results: The results showed galectin-3 expression in 20/30 papillary carcinomas, 11/15 follicular carcinomas, 10/10 anaplastic carcinomas, and 4/15 follicular adenomas. Thyroid follicular cells in normal adult and fetal tissue were negative. Conclusions: These results further confirm that galectin-3 expression is a feature of malignant thyroid cells, and that immunohistochemical detection of galectin-3 could be useful in thyroid carcinoma diagnostics. The absence of galectin-3 in thyroid cells during fetal development suggests that galectin-3 is expressed de novo during malignant transformation of thyroid epithelium, thus it should not be considered an oncofetal antigen.


Author(s):  
M. Rotondi ◽  
F. Coperchini ◽  
G. Ricci ◽  
M. Denegri ◽  
L. Croce ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose SARS-COV-2 is a pathogenic agent belonging to the coronavirus family, responsible for the current global world pandemic. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) is the receptor for cellular entry of SARS-CoV-2. ACE-2 is a type I transmembrane metallo-carboxypeptidase involved in the Renin-Angiotensin pathway. By analyzing two independent databases, ACE-2 was identified in several human tissues including the thyroid. Although some cases of COVID-19-related subacute thyroiditis were recently described, direct proof for the expression of the ACE-2 mRNA in thyroid cells is still lacking. Aim of the present study was to investigate by RT-PCR whether the mRNA encoding for ACE-2 is present in human thyroid cells. Methods RT-PCR was performed on in vitro ex vivo study on thyroid tissue samples (15 patients undergoing thyroidectomy for benign thyroid nodules) and primary thyroid cell cultures. Results The ACE-2 mRNA was detected in all surgical thyroid tissue samples (n = 15). Compared with two reporter genes (GAPDH: 0.052 ± 0.0026 Cycles−1; β-actin: 0.044 ± 0.0025 Cycles−1; ACE-2: 0.035 ± 0.0024 Cycles−1), the mean level of transcript expression for ACE-2 mRNA was abundant. The expression of ACE-2 mRNA in follicular cells was confirmed by analyzing primary cultures of thyroid cells, which expressed the ACE-2 mRNA at levels similar to tissues. Conclusions The results of the present study demonstrate that the mRNA encoding for the ACE-2 receptor is expressed in thyroid follicular cells, making them a potential target for SARS-COV-2 entry. Future clinical studies in patients with COVID-19 will be required for increase our understanding of the thyroid repercussions of SARS-CoV-2 infection.


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lovenish Bains ◽  
Sushant Bhatia ◽  
Rohit Kaushik ◽  
Sudhir Kumar Jain ◽  
Chandra Bhushan Singh ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Thyroid swellings enlarge caudally into the mediastinum behind the sternum. Pre-sternal swelling of thyroid origin is very rare. We present our case of pre-sternal thyroid swelling which was albeit a surprisingly rare site of papillary thyroid carcinoma recurrence and review of pre-sternal thyroid swellings reported till date. Case summary A 60 year old female presented with a painless, progressive swelling on the anterior part of the chest for the past 2 years. A 15 cm × 8 cm vertically aligned, non tender, well defined swelling was present on the pre-sternal region, with consistency ranging from soft to firm. The swelling was fixed to the underlying tissues and a fixed level IV lymph node was palpable on the right side. Ultrasonography revealed a large mass of 15 × 7 cm with multiple cystic areas. Fine needle aspiration cytology was inconclusive twice. Patient had undergone a total thyroidectomy for papillary carcinoma 10 years back. Computed tomography findings revealed a large 15 × 6.6 × 7 cm lobulated, pre-sternal, soft tissue lesion with solid & cystic components. The mass was infiltrating the right sided strap muscles and sternocleidomastoid. FNAC was inconclusive and thyroid scan could not pick up any activity in the mass. Henceforth a PET scan was done that showed increased FDG uptake by the lesion and the level IV lymph node. The patient underwent wide excision of the mass with right functional neck dissection, along with removal with both sternal head of sternocleido-mastoid, the strap muscles and the surrounding fascia. Histopathology confirmed papillary thyroid carcinoma. Patient received post-operative radioactive iodine ablation and is healthy with no recurrence up to 30 months of follow up. Discussion The mechanisms for pre-sternal thyroid swelling are not understood due to paucity of cases. The mechanisms proposed are invasion of strap muscles and cervical linea alba and tumor cells spread anterior to sternum, truly ectopic thyroid tissue, de novo carcinogenesis in the embryonal remnants like the thyro-thymic residues, sequestered thyroid tissue which grows later or migration of thyroid cells, incomplete clearance at the time of primary surgery or intraoperative seeding. Conclusion Pre-sternal region masses of thyroid origin are very rare. A proper work up, suspicion for thyroid mass and array of tests will be required to come to a provisional diagnosis. Since the masses reported in literature were primarily malignant, any such mass may be treated on lines of malignancy with radical surgery.


1989 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 691-696 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y Uchiyama ◽  
T Watanabe ◽  
M Watanabe ◽  
Y Ishii ◽  
H Matsuba ◽  
...  

To localize cathepsins B, H, and L in follicular cells of rat thyroid gland, we applied immunocytochemistry to the thyroid tissue using their respective monospecific antibodies. On serial semi-thin sections, cathepsins B, H, and L were localized in granules of various sizes located throughout the cytoplasm, whereas T4 was detected in larger granules located in the apical and supranuclear regions. By electron microscopy, cathepsins B, H, and L were localized in large less-dense granules (so-called colloid droplets) and in dense bodies of various sizes, whereas T4 was localized more intensely in large less-dense granules than in smaller dense bodies. By double immunostaining using an immunogold method, cathepsins H and B or L were co-localized in the same cytoplasmic granules. Moreover, immunoblotting demonstrated that proteins similar to cathepsins B, H, and L in the liver are present in the thyroid gland. These results suggest that cathepsins B, H, and L participate not only in degradation of thyroglobulin but in maturation of thyroid hormones, although it remains unknown whether all of them participate in the maturation process.


1925 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 337-346 ◽  
Author(s):  
Albert H. Ebeling

1. A pure strain of thyroid epithelium was isolated and maintained in active condition for 7 months. At the end of the experiment, the rate of cell multiplication was as great as at its beginning. 2. The thyroid cells grew at the surface of the coagulum as pavement epithelium, and within the coagulum as a glandular structure. 3. The cells did not dedifferentiate, and the lumen of the acini in cultures from a strain over 4 months old contained colloid secretion similar morphologically to that from a freshly extirpated thyroid gland.


2021 ◽  
pp. 030098582110188
Author(s):  
Jana Jankovic ◽  
Martina Dettwiler ◽  
Martin González Fernández ◽  
Eve Tièche ◽  
Kerstin Hahn ◽  
...  

Thyrotropin receptor (TSHR), sodium iodide symporter (NIS), pendrin, and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) are essential for the uptake of iodine by follicular thyroid cells. The aim of this study was to establish immunohistochemistry (IHC) protocols for TSHR, NIS, pendrin, and TPO in canine tissues and characterize their expression in organoids derived from canine follicular cell thyroid carcinoma (FTC) and in the respective primary tumors. This constitutes a fundamental step to establish organoids as a model to study the uptake of iodine in canine FTC. Commercially available antibodies directed against human proteins were selected. Antibody specificity was confirmed by western blot using lysates of the HTori-3 human thyroid cell line and healthy canine thyroid gland. IHC was validated using HTori-3 cells and a set of canine normal tissues including healthy thyroid gland. The expression of TSHR, NIS, pendrin, and TPO was evaluated in 3 organoid lines derived from FTC and respective primary tumors. All 4 antibodies produced specific bands by western blot and cytoplasmic labeling in follicular cells by IHC in both human HTori-3 cells and canine thyroid gland. NIS also showed basolateral membrane immunolabeling in follicular cells. All 4 proteins were highly expressed in organoids derived from FTC. The expression was similar or higher compared to the primary tumors. The results of this study characterize organoids derived from canine FTC as a suitable in vitro model to investigate iodine uptake, opening new research possibilities in the field of canine thyroid cancer therapy.


2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (2(49)) ◽  
pp. 89-97
Author(s):  
R. V. Yanko

Introduction: Despite the well-studied effect of alimentary deprivation on the body, the literature data on its effect on functional activity and, in particular, on morphological changes in the thyroid gland are single and often contradictory, which does not allow unambiguous conclusions. All this requires a more detailed study of the role and mechanisms of the impact of restricted nutrition on the thyroid gland. Aim: To investigate the effect of alimentary deprivation on morphological changes in the thyroid gland of young rats. Methods: The study was conducted on 24 male Wistar rats aged 3 months. Rats of all groups were in uniform conditions, on a standard diet. Animals of the experimental group, for 28 days, received a diet reduced by 30 %. Work with rats was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Histological preparations were made from the central areas of the thyroid tissue according to the standard method. Using a digital camera, the micropreparations were photographed under a Nikon Eclipse E 100 microscope (Japan). Morphometry was performed using a computer program "Image J". Results: Histological analysis of the rat's thyroid gland affected by alimentary deprivation revealed that it had an unchanged physiological structure. The follicles were mostly of oval shape and of various sizes. Colloid in the follicles of experimental animals is of moderate density and contains numerous resorption vacuoles. Thyroid cells are of prismatic and cubic shape. It was found that in the thyroid gland of experimental rats the area of ​​follicles, colloid, their inner diameter decreases, the height of thyrocytes increases, the stereological resorption index increases and the colloid accumulation index decreases, the number of interfollicular islands increases. Also in experimental animals there was a decrease in the width of the interlobar and interfollicular connective tissue. Conclusion: In rats fed on a reduced diet, morphological signs of increased functional activity of the thyroid gland were found.


2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Paula Santin ◽  
Tania Weber Furlanetto

Thyroid diseases are more prevalent in women, particularly between puberty and menopause. It is wellknown that estrogen (E) has indirect effects on the thyroid economy. Direct effects of this steroid hormone on thyroid cells have been described more recently; so, the aim of the present paper was to review the evidences of these effects on thyroid function and growth regulation, and its mechanisms. The expression and ratios of the two E receptors,αandβ, that mediate the genomic effects of E on normal and abnormal thyroid tissue were also reviewed, as well as nongenomic, distinct molecular pathways. Several evidences support the hypothesis that E has a direct role in thyroid follicular cells; understanding its influence on the growth and function of the thyroid in normal and abnormal conditions can potentially provide new targets for the treatment of thyroid diseases.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Celia Fernández-Méndez ◽  
Pilar Santisteban

Abstract Hippo signaling pathway regulation by hormonal signals acting through G-coupled receptors has been widely described. Modulation of processes such as tissue growth or differentiation by this pathway critically relies on the location and levels of its major effectors: the cofactors YAP/TAZ and the family TEAD of transcription factors. Despite this well-defined regulatory mechanism, little is known about the Hippo pathway in the thyroid gland. Thyrotropin (TSH), main factor for thyroid follicular cells differentiation, plays its role by interacting with its G-protein-coupled receptor (TSHR). High serum TSH levels are associated with hypothyroidism, characterized by a change in thyroid follicle morphology and inflammation of the thyroid gland. This led us to study if TSH could modulate the Hippo pathway.Rat thyroid follicular cells (PCCl3) were treated with TSH and forskolin, an adenylyl cyclase activator. By immunofluorescence and western blot, levels and subcellular location of the Hippo Pathway components were assessed in different conditions. An increase of the Hippo kinase MST1/2 and LATS1/2 was observed after TSH and forskolin treatments, corresponding to a downregulation of the transcriptional mediators of the pathway TAZ, YAP and Tead1. Especially remarkable is the translocation of YAP/TAZ from the nucleus, which involves a decrease in their activity.Next, we validated the results in an in vivo model generating hypothyroidism in 3-month-old male C57BL/6J by adding MMI (2-Mercapto-1-Methylimidazole) and perchlorate (KClO4) to their drinking water. After 2 weeks of treatment, we euthanized the animals, validated higher TSH serum levels and performed analysis of the Hippo components in the thyroid by immunohistochemistry. A reduction in the levels of the Hippo effectors TAZ, YAP and Tead1 was found in the thyroid slices from hypothyroid mice, confirming the in vitro results. In addition, evaluation of a human thyroid tissue microarray, including Hashimoto disease samples, led to a validation of the previously described TSH role.Hereby, we report a crosstalk by which TSH is increasing the kinase axis of the Hippo pathway thus decreasing the activity of its main transcriptional effectors in the nuclei. Future research of the role of these transcriptional effectors will be carry out to discern if their decrease could be associated with the morphology changes linked to hypothyroidism.


1961 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 365-383 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph D. Feldman ◽  
Jacinto J. Vazquez ◽  
Stanley M. Kurtz

Maturation of the rat fetal thyroid was studied with the aid of I131 and of fluorescence and electron microscopy. The I131 concentration of the fetal gland increased exponentially from day 17 to day 20 of gestation and was related to the weight of the fetus (and presumably the weight of the thyroid) and also to the quantity of I131 accumulated by the fetus. In the 17-day gland, thyroglobulin or immunologically similar material was sparsely present in the incipient lumens of some cell clusters. With maturation, this material increased and was also observed within follicular cells on days 18 to 19 of gestation. On day 20, the specifically reacting material was present in the follicular lumens and was absent from the cytoplasm of follicular epithelium. Ultrastructurally, the earliest thyroid cells examined were replete with all the organelles found in the more mature epithelium. No direct correlation could be made between the cytoplasmic structures and the presence of thyroglobulin, although the granular endoplasmic reticulum was most likely the organelle responsible for synthesis of thyroglobulin. Thyroglobulin or a precursor was found in fetal thyroid cells before measurable quantities of I131 were concentrated and before cytoplasmic droplets appeared.


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