Quantitative changes in the frequency and distribution of the C-cell population in the rat thyroid gland with age

Comparative Histology of C Thyrocytes in Four Domestic Animal Species: Dog, Pig, Horse, and Cattle

Simple Summary

In this study we have proved that dogs, pigs, cattle, and horses, species belonging to four distinct families, differ in regard to microscopical characteristics of their C thyrocytes. Although the total number of C thyrocyte profiles and their localization within thyroid lobes were comparable, each of the examined species displayed their unique morphological characteristics and distribution pattern. The differences described in our study, easily recognizable microscopically, can be used as a reference material for further studies focused on C thyrocytes biology in physiological and pathological conditions.

Abstract

The number, morphology, and distribution of C thyrocytes within the thyroid gland vary among species; however, studies in domestic animals are limited. In this study we compared the morphology, distribution pattern, and percentage of C thyrocytes in four domestic species: dogs, pigs, horses, and cattle. Eighty thyroid glands, 20 per species, were examined. C thyrocytes were visualized immunohistochemically with anti-calcitonin rabbit polyclonal antibody alone and combined with the periodic acid Schiff method to simultaneously visualize C thyrocytes with the basement membranes of thyroid follicles. C thyrocyte morphology varied considerably between species, from oval- (dogs) and spindle-shaped (pigs) to polymorphic (cattle and horses). Bovine C thyrocytes demonstrated cytoplasmic protrusion. C thyrocytes were located intrafolliculary (all species), epifollicularly (dogs, horses, cattle), or interfolicularly (cattle). Most porcine and bovine C thyrocytes existed individually whereas canine C thyrocytes usually formed clusters. In horses, they tended to form groups of various shapes and sizes or even rims encompassing whole follicles. In all species, the number of C thyrocyte profiles increased from the periphery to the central area of the thyroid lobe. The mean total fraction of C thyrocytes in the superficial, intermediate, and central areas were as follows: 2.55%, 8.43%, and 12.48% in dogs; 3.81%, 7.66%, and 10.79% in pigs; 1.55%, 7.44%, and 8.87% in horses; and 2.62%, 10.75%, and 12.96% in cattle. No statistical differences in the total number of C thyrocyte profiles were observed among species (8.87% in dogs, 8.58% in cattle, 7.98% in pigs, and 5.83% in horses). Our results indicated that the studied species displayed their own morphological characteristics and distribution pattern of C thyrocytes; however, total numbers of C thyrocyte profiles and their localization within the thyroid lobe are comparable.

Age-Related Changes in Calcitonin-Producing Thyroid C-Cells of Male Wistar Rats

Thyroid C-cells secrete the hormone calcitonin (CT) which acts as an inhibitor of bone resorption. Our aim was to examine the age-related changes in the structure and function of CT-producing C-cells, using histomorphometric, ultrastructural, and biochemical analyses. We used young adult (3-months-old), middle-aged (16-months-old), and old (24-months-old) male rats. The peroxidase-antiperoxidase method was applied for localization of CT. Stereological analysis was performed using the newCAST stereological software package. Serum samples were analyzed for the determination of CT, testosterone (T), calcium (Ca2+), and phosphorus (P). We found a significant increase in the volume density (Vv) of C-cells in both older groups (p < 0.05). The percentage of smaller volume range C-cells increased (p < 0.0001), while the proportion of greater volume range C-cells decreased (p < 0.05) with ageing. Ultrastructural analysis revealed a larger number of secretory granules in older rats. Serum CT increased (p < 0.001), while serum T and P were reduced (p < 0.01) in older rats. Serum Ca2+ was lower (p < 0.0001) in middle-aged rats compared to young adults. We revealed a 20% incidence of C-cell hyperplasia in older rats and one case of medullary thyroid carcinoma in an old rat. Our findings indicate that the ageing process causes significant histomorphometric changes at the thyroid C-cell level.

Thyroid Gland Alterations in Old-Aged Wistar Rats: A Comprehensive Stereological, Ultrastructural, Hormonal, and Gene Expression Study

The aim of the present study was to determine and elaborate on all changes in old-aged (OA) versus young-aged (YA) rat thyroids by using stereological, ultrastructural, hormonal, and gene expression analyses. We used 4- and 24-month-old male Wistar rats in our evaluation, presenting all changes in comparison with YA rats. Results showed that the thyroid parenchyma was characterized by higher absolute volumes of the gland, colloid, epithelium, and interstitium by 135, 135, 140, and 142% (p < 0.05) respectively, while the relative volumes of colloid and glands were unchanged. Ultrastructural analysis revealed less active glands, with smaller amounts of lysosomes, thyroglobulin (Tg) granules, and microvilli in the luminal colloid. Optical density values for thyroid peroxidase (TPO), Tg, and vascular-endothelial growth factor immunostaining remained unchanged; however, TPO and Tg exhibited visually stronger expression in small active follicles. Thyroxine (T4)-Tg, the relative intensity of fluorescence (RIF), serum T4, and the sodium-iodide symporter immunohistochemical and gene expressions decreased by 20, 40, 29, and 31% (p < 0.05), respectively, in OA thyroids. Pituitary thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) RIF increased by 44% (p < 0.05), but the TSH serum concentration remained unchanged. In conclusion, the obtained results indicate depression of the thyroid gland synthetic and secretory capacity with advanced age.

Deconvolution of expression microarray data reveals 131I-induced responses otherwise undetected in thyroid tissue

High-throughput gene expression analysis is increasingly used in radiation research for discovery of damage-related or absorbed dose-dependent biomarkers. In tissue samples, cell type-specific responses can be masked in expression data due to mixed cell populations which can preclude biomarker discovery. In this study, we deconvolved microarray data from thyroid tissue in order to assess possible bias from mixed cell type data. Transcript expression data [GSE66303] from mouse thyroid that received 5.9 Gy from ¹³¹I over 24 h (or 0 Gy from mock treatment) were deconvolved by cell frequency of follicular cells and C-cells using csSAM and R and processed with Nexus Expression. Literature-based signature genes were used to assess the relative impact from ionizing radiation (IR) or thyroid hormones (TH). Regulation of cellular functions was inferred by enriched biological processes according to Gene Ontology terms. We found that deconvolution increased the detection rate of significantly regulated transcripts including the biomarker candidate family of kallikrein transcripts. Detection of IR-associated and TH-responding signature genes was also increased in deconvolved data, while the dominating trend of TH-responding genes was reproduced. Importantly, responses in biological processes for DNA integrity, gene expression integrity, and cellular stress were not detected in convoluted data–which was in disagreement with expected dose-response relationships–but upon deconvolution in follicular cells and C-cells. In conclusion, previously reported trends of ¹³¹I-induced transcriptional responses in thyroid were reproduced with deconvolved data and usually with a higher detection rate. Deconvolution also resolved an issue with detecting damage and stress responses in enriched data, and may reduce false negatives in other contexts as well. These findings indicate that deconvolution can optimize microarray data analysis of heterogeneous sample material for biomarker screening or other clinical applications.

Cancer etiology. Variation in cancer risk among tissues can be explained by the number of stem cell divisions

Some tissue types give rise to human cancers millions of times more often than other tissue types. Although this has been recognized for more than a century, it has never been explained. Here, we show that the lifetime risk of cancers of many different types is strongly correlated (0.81) with the total number of divisions of the normal self-renewing cells maintaining that tissue's homeostasis. These results suggest that only a third of the variation in cancer risk among tissues is attributable to environmental factors or inherited predispositions. The majority is due to "bad luck," that is, random mutations arising during DNA replication in normal, noncancerous stem cells. This is important not only for understanding the disease but also for designing strategies to limit the mortality it causes.

On-target effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on thyroid C-cells in rats and mice

Glucagon-like peptide-1 is an incretin hormone from the gastrointestinal tract, which enhances insulin secretion, slows gastric emptying, and reduces food intake. GLP-1 receptor agonists are being developed for Type 2 diabetes mellitus. GLP-1 is rapidly degraded by serum dipeptidyl peptidase IV, so analogues with a prolonged serum half-life are used clinically. Exenatide was the first GLP-1 agonist approved and is a synthetic version of exendin-4 derived from the Gila monster. Liraglutide was approved for clinical use in 2010. GLP-1 receptor agonists have been shown to increase calcitonin secretion and stimulate C-cell hyperplasia and neoplasia in rats and mice of both sexes. Rat C-cells are more sensitive to the effects of GLP-1 agonists than mice. The effects of GLP-1 agonists on C-cell proliferation or neoplasia have not been documented in nonhuman primates or humans. The proliferative C-cell effects may be rodent-specific. GLP-1 receptors have been demonstrated on normal rodent C-cells, but are either not present or occur in low numbers on C-cells of nonhuman primates and humans. Hyperplasia and neoplasia of C-cells in rodents treated with GLP-1 agonists represent a unique example of an on-target species-specific effect that may not have relevance to humans.

Ghrelin potentiates TSH-induced expression of the thyroid tissue-specific genes thyroglobulin, thyroperoxidase and sodium-iodine symporter, in rat PC-Cl3 Cells

Ghrelin is a 28-amino-acid peptide that stimulates pituitary growth-hormone secretion and modulates food-intake and energy metabolism in mammals. It is mainly secreted by the stomach, but it is also expressed in many other tissues such as cartilage or the thyroid gland. In the present study we have analyzed by RT-PCR and using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence the expression and tissue distribution of ghrelin and its functional receptor (GHS-R type 1α) in thyroid cell-lines and in normal and pathological rat thyroid tissue. Additionally, by measuring the incorporation of BrdU, we have investigated if, as previously noted for FRTL-5 cells, ghrelin enhances the proliferation rate in the PC-Cl3 rat-thyrocyte cell-line. Finally, we have determined the stimulatory effect of ghrelin on TSH-induced expression of the tissue-specific key genes involved in the synthesis of thyroid hormone: thyroglobulin, thyroperoxidase and sodium-iodine symporter. Our data provide direct evidence that C-cell secreted ghrelin may be involved in the paracrine regulation of the thyroid follicular cell function.

Glucagon-like Peptide-1 receptor agonists activate rodent thyroid C-cells causing calcitonin release and C-cell proliferation

Liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analog developed for type 2 diabetes. Long-term liraglutide exposure in rodents was associated with thyroid C-cell hyperplasia and tumors. Here, we report data supporting a GLP-1 receptor-mediated mechanism for these changes in rodents. The GLP-1 receptor was localized to rodent C-cells. GLP-1 receptor agonists stimulated calcitonin release, up-regulation of calcitonin gene expression, and subsequently C-cell hyperplasia in rats and, to a lesser extent, in mice. In contrast, humans and/or cynomolgus monkeys had low GLP-1 receptor expression in thyroid C-cells, and GLP-1 receptor agonists did not activate adenylate cyclase or generate calcitonin release in primates. Moreover, 20 months of liraglutide treatment (at >60 times human exposure levels) did not lead to C-cell hyperplasia in monkeys. Mean calcitonin levels in patients exposed to liraglutide for 2 yr remained at the lower end of the normal range, and there was no difference in the proportion of patients with calcitonin levels increasing above the clinically relevant cutoff level of 20 pg/ml. Our findings delineate important species-specific differences in GLP-1 receptor expression and action in the thyroid. Nevertheless, the long-term consequences of sustained GLP-1 receptor activation in the human thyroid remain unknown and merit further investigation.

C cells evolve at the same rhythm as follicular cells when thyroidal status changes in rats

C cells are primarily known for producing calcitonin, a hypocalcemic and hypophosphatemic hormone. Nevertheless, besides their role in calcium homeostasis, C cells may be involved in the intrathyroidal regulation of follicular cells, suggesting a possible interrelationship between the two endocrine populations. If this premise is true, massive changes induced by different agents in the activity of follicular cells may also affect calcitonin-producing cells. To investigate the behaviour of C cells in those circumstances, we have experimentally induced two opposite functional thyroid states. We hyperstimulated the follicular cells using a goitrogen (propylthiouracil), and we suppressed thyroid hormone synthesis by oral administration of thyroxine. In both scenarios, we measured T(4), TSH, calcitonin, and calcium serum levels. We also completely sectioned the thyroid gland, specifically immunostained the C cells, and rigorously quantified this endocrine population. In hypothyroid rats, not only follicular cells but also C cells displayed hyperplastic and hypertrophic changes as well as increased calcitonin levels. When exogenous thyroxine was administered to the rats, the opposite effect was noted as a decrease in the number and size of C cells, as well as decreased calcitonin levels. Additionally, we noted that the two cell types maintain the same numerical relation (10 +/- 2.5 follicular cells per C cell), independent of the functional activity of the thyroid gland. Considering that TSH serum levels are increased in hypothyroid rats and decreased in thyroxine-treated rats, we discuss the potential involvement of thyrotropin in the observed results.

Flow sorting from organ material by intracellular markers

BACKGROUND

Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) is an attractive technique for gene or protein expression studies in rare cell populations. For cell types where specific surface markers are not known, intracellular markers can be used. However, this approach is currently held to be difficult, as the required fixation and permeabilization may cause protein modification and RNA degradation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using the rat thyroid gland as model, rare (parafollicular) and frequent (follicular) endocrine cell types were sorted based on immunostaining for intracellular calcitonin peptide and thyroglobulin protein expression. The sorted cells were compatible with Western blot analysis of proteins, immunoassay detection of calcitonin peptide hormone and RT-PCR.

CONCLUSION

We developed a robust FACS protocol that allows flow sorting of rare cells from dissociated organ material, based on intracellular markers. Our FACS protocol is compatible with downstream analysis of proteins, peptides, and mRNA in the sorted cells.

Age-related differences in the secretion of calcitonin in male rats

The mechanism of hypercalcitoninemia associated with aging was investigated in male rats. To mimic some of the hormonal changes with aging, orchidectomized (Orch) and hyperprolactinemic rats were used to mimic the physiological status of aging. Orch and haloperidol-induced hyperprolactinemic rats aged 3, 8, and 17 months were infused with CaCl2 and then bled from a jugular catheter following the CaCl2 challenge. Rat thyroid gland was incubated with Locke's medium at 37 degrees C for 30 minutes. Compared with 8- and 3-month-old rats, 17-month-old rats exhibited the lowest levels of plasma testosterone and the highest levels of plasma prolactin (PRL) and calcitonin (CT). The release of CT in the thyroid glands in vitro was highest in 17-month-old rats. Orchidectomy decreased rat plasma CT and thyroid CT release in vitro. Hyperprolactinemic rats had higher levels of plasma PRL and CT compared with control animals. The release of thyroid CT in vitro was greater in hyperprolactinemic rats. These results suggest that the hypersecretion of CT in 17-month-old rats may be due in part to hyperprolactinemia.

The influence of maternal hypothyroidism and radioactive iodine on rat embryonal development: thyroid C-cells

There have been no works devoted to the study of the influence of (131)I and maternal (131)I-induced hypothyroidism on the state of the C-cells in the thyroid gland of the developing embryos. A study was made on the effect of a dose of 150 microCi (131)I (0.5 Gy) leading to hypothyroidism in rats, on 35 mother rats and 168 newborn pups. The mother rats were divided into control and four treated groups which were injected with (131)I before pregnancy, on gestation days 5, 10, and 16, respectively. Immunohistochemically, the thyroid gland was examined for calcitonin-positive cells. Maternal hypothyroidism induced by (131)I leads to the development of hyperplasia and hyperthrophy of calcitonin-positive cells in the pups at the time of birth. The discovery of separate C-cells in the peripheral zone of the thyroid lobe may be evidence of an unbalance in the development of the medial and lateral source of the thyroid. There is a verifiable increase in the quantity of C-cells per 1 mm(2) field of the localization in the central zone of the gestation days 10 and 16 groups. This might be a compensatory mechanism for regulating the activity of the thyroid gland under induced hypothyroidism. Thus, in cases when there is a breakdown in the normal external regulation of the embryonic morphogenesis, a reduction in the level of maternal thyroid hormones and also direct exposure to (131)I, there is also a change in the foetus' internal regulatory systems. A change in C-cell system could lead to the appearance of endocrinological disorders later in life.

Effects of hyperprolactinemia on calcitonin secretion in male rats

The role of prolactin (PRL) in calcitonin (CT) release by the thyroid C cell in male rats was studied. Anterior pituitary (AP)-grafted male rats were characterized by hyperprolactinemia. Brain cortex (CX)-grafted male rats were used as control animals. AP- and CX-grafted rats were infused intravenously with CaCl2 and bled from the jugular catheter at 0, 30, 60, and 120 minutes following the CaCl2 challenge. Rat thyroid gland was incubated with or without 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) at 37 degrees C for 30 minutes. Thyroid C cells were incubated in culture medium at 37 degrees C for 60 minutes. Cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) in rat thyroid tissues following incubation with IBMX was extracted by 65% ethanol. AP-grafted rats had higher plasma levels of PRL and CT compared with CX-grafted rats. Both the release of CT and accumulation of cAMP in thyroid glands were higher in AP-grafted versus CX-grafted rats. Direct administration of ovine PRL (oPRL) on the thyroid glands did not increase CT secretion in vitro. Thyroid C cells of AP-grafted rats secreted more CT compared with CX-grafted rat cells. These results suggest that hyperprolactinemia increases the release of CT by thyroid C cells in rats through a cAMP-dependent pathway caused by an indirect effect of PRL.

Age-related differences in the secretion of calcitonin in female rats

The mechanism that causes hypercalcitonemia in female rats and is associated with aging was investigated. Young (3 mo), adult (8 mo), middle-aged (12 mo), and old (21 mo) rats were infused with CaCl2 and were bled from a jugular catheter after a CaCl2 challenge. To mimic some of the hormonal changes caused by aging, the anterior pituitary (AP)-grafted ovariectomized rats with hyperprolactinemic syndrome were used to mimic the physiological status of aging. The rat thyroid gland was incubated with or without ovine prolactin (oPRL; 40 or 80 ng/ml) at 37 degreesC for 30 min. Old rats possessed the lowest levels of plasma estradiol and progesterone yet had the highest levels of plasma prolactin and calcitonin (CT) compared with young, adult, and middle-aged rats. The basal release of thyroid CT in vitro in thyroid glands gradually increased with age. Compared with cortex (CX)-grafted rats, the AP-grafted rats possessed higher levels of plasma PRL, basal and CaCl2-induced levels of plasma CT, and the release of thyroid CT in thyroid glands. After stimulation with oPRL, the in vitro release of thyroid CT increased in both CX- and AP-grafted rats. These results suggest that the hypersecretion of CT in old rats is due at least in part to hyperprolactinemia.

Chronic hypervitaminosis D3 determines a decrease in C-cell numbers and calcitonin levels in rats

Many papers have reported that chronic hypercalcemia induced either by large doses of vitamin D or by the administration of calcium or parathormone, produces hypertrophy and hyperplasia of C cells. However, more recent studies suggest that the effect of elevated calcium or 1.25(OH)2D3 concentration on the production of calcitonin may be more complex than previously suspected. To assess the validity of such a response an experimental model, where hypercalcemia was induced with vitamin D3 overdose, was designed. Male Wistar rats were administered vitamin D3 chronically (50,000 IU per 100 ml of drinking water with or without CaCl2). Serum calcium and calcitonin levels were determined. C cells were stained by immunohistochemistry using calcitonin and neuronal specific enolase (NSE) antibodies and their percentage was calculated by a morphometric analysis. We also investigated the ultrastructural characteristic of the C cells under experimental conditions. C cells did not have a proliferative response rather a decrease in their number was observed after 1 month of treatment with 25,000 IU of vitamin D3 (1.55 vs 2.43% in control animals) and 3 months with vitamin plus CaCl2 (2.27% vs 3.62% in control animals). In addition, no significant changes in serum calcitonin levels were observed during the experimental period. We conclude that rat C cells do not respond with hypertrophic and hyperplastic changes in a hypercalcemic state due to an intoxication with vitamin D3.

C-cells of marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

The localization and fine structure of C-cells of the thyroid glands from 31 marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) of different age groups (newborn to 11 years old) were investigated by electron microscopy and immunomorphology (APAAP, calcitonin). Calcitonin-positive cells were found concentrated in the middle third of the gland. Their localization in the follicular wall or in the interstitial space could not clearly be demonstrated by light microscopy. In adult animals, they were always located within the basal lamina, as revealed by electron microscopy. In newborn animals, their localization was difficult because of the dense cell packing. The fine structure of the C-cells with their 200 nm electron-dense granules corresponded to that of other species. Two cell types could be distinguished: (1) granule-rich cells in the storing phase and (2) cells with fewer granules and well-developed rough endoplasmic reticulum in the synthesis phase. The concentration of C-cells in the middle third of the marmoset thyroid gland renders this species especially suitable for morphological investigations and in vitro experiments.

C-cell distribution in ovine thyroid gland

The number and percentage of C-cells per unit area were investigated in 2-3-year-old sheep by an immunoperoxidase technique, using a digital-image analysis. C-cells were distributed throughout the thyroid lobes but were not present in either the isthmus or the superior and inferior poles of the thyroid. C-cells were more concentrated in the deep central region of the lobes and decreased gradually toward the periphery. There was a high correlation between the number and the percentage of C-cells per unit area of thyroid gland in sheep. Significant differences were not present between male and female sheep of 2-3 years of age.

Postnatal variations in the number and size of C-cells in the rat thyroid gland

The heterogeneous distribution of thyroid C-cells has until now hindered an objective evaluation of changes caused by age or experimental stimuli. To overcome this, a rigorous methodology has been designed to detect variations in shape, size, and number of C-cells throughout development. Using this methodology, we have demonstrated that C-cells do not significantly alter their shape with age. However, their volume increases gradually from 472 microns3 in newborn rats to 1653 microns3 in 120-day-old animals. Over the same time period, the mean number of C-cells within the thyroid gland increased 9-fold (from 1.6 x 10(4) to 1.5 x 10(5), and the number of C-cells per unit area decreased (from 6.15 x 10(4)/mm3 to 2.6 x 10(4)/mm3). We conclude that there are marked variations in size, total number, and number of C-cells per unit area in the rat thyroid gland after birth.