Evaluation of the role of mammalian thyroid parafollicular cells

Osteopontin expression is correlated with differentiation and good prognosis in medullary thyroid carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Osteopontin (OPN) or secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) is a matricellular glycoprotein whose expression is elevated in various types of cancer and has been shown to be involved in tumourigenesis and metastasis in many malignancies, including follicular cell-derived thyroid carcinomas. Its role in C-cell-derived thyroid lesions and tumours remains to be established.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to clarify the role of OPN expression in the development of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).

METHODS

OPN expression was analysed in a series of 116 MTCs by immunohistochemistry and by qPCR mRNA quantification of the 3 OPN isoforms (OPNa, OPNb and OPNc) in six cases from which fresh frozen tissue was available. Statistical tests were used to evaluate the relationship of OPN expression and the clinicopathological and molecular characteristics of patients and tumours.

RESULTS

OPN expression was detected in 91 of 116 (78.4%) of the MTC. We also observed high OPN expression in C-cell hyperplasia as well as in C-cells scattered in the thyroid parenchyma adjacent to the tumours. OPN expression was significantly associated with smaller tumour size, PTEN nuclear expression and RAS status, and suggestively associated with non-invasive tumours. OPNa isoform was expressed significantly at higher levels in tumours than in non-tumour samples. OPNb and OPNc presented similar levels of expression in all samples. Furthermore, OPNa isoform overexpression was significantly associated with reduced growth and viability in the MTC-derived cell line (TT).

CONCLUSION

The expression of OPN in normal C-cells and C-cell hyperplasia suggests that OPN is a differentiation marker of C-cells, rather than a marker of biological aggressiveness in this setting. At variance with other cancers, OPN expression is associated with good prognostic features in MTC.

Morpho-functional characteristics of rat fetal thyroid gland are affected by prenatal dexamethasone exposure

Thyroid hormones (TH) and glucocorticoids strongly contribute to the maturation of fetal tissues in the preparation for extrauterine life. Influence of maternal dexamethasone (Dx) administration on thyroid glands morpho-functional characteristics of near term rat fetuses was investigated applying unbiased stereology. On the 16th day of pregnancy dams received 1.0mg/Dx/kg/b.w., followed by 0.5mg/Dx/kg/b.w. on the 17th and 18th days of gestation. The control females received the same volume of saline. The volume of fetal thyroid was estimated using Cavalieri's principle; the physical/fractionator design was applied for the determination of absolute number of follicular cells in mitosis and immunohistochemically labeled C cells; C cell volume was measured using the planar rotator. The functional activity of thyroid tissue was provided from thyroglobulin (Tg) and thyroperoxidase (TPO) immunohistochemical staining. Applying these design-based modern stereological methods it was shown that Dx treatment of gravid females led to a significant decrease of fetal thyroid gland volume in 19- and 21-day-old fetuses, due to decreased proliferation of follicular cells. The Tg and TPO immunohistochemistry demonstrated that intensive TH production starts and continues during the examined period in control and Dx-exposed fetuses. Under the influence of Dx the absolute number of C cells was lower in both groups of near term fetuses, although unchanged relation between the two populations of endocrine cells, follicular and C cells suggesting that structural relationships within the gland are preserved. In conclusion maternal glucocorticoid administration at the thyroid gland level exerts growth-inhibitory and maturational promoting effects in near term rat fetuses.

Subtype-specific parafollicular localization of the neuropeptide manserin in the rat thyroid gland

The thyroid gland is an endocrine organ which is involved in metabolism, neuroexcitability, body growth and development. The thyroid gland is also involved in the regulation of calcium metabolism, which is not yet fully understood. In this study, we investigated the localization of the granin-derived neuropeptide, manserin, in the adult rat thyroid gland. Manserin immunoreactivity was detected in thyroid follicular epithelial cells. Intense manserin signals were also detected in some, but not all, parafollicular cells, indicating that parafollicular manserin may be subtype-specific. These results indicate that thyroid manserin may play pivotal roles in parafollicular cells and follicular epithelial cells such as in calcium metabolism and/or thyroid hormone secretion.

Loss of parafollicular cells during gravitational changes (microgravity, hypergravity) and the secret effect of pleiotrophin

It is generally known that bone loss is one of the most important complications for astronauts who are exposed to long-term microgravity in space. Changes in blood flow, systemic hormones, and locally produced factors were indicated as important elements contributing to the response of osteoblastic cells to loading, but research in this field still has many questions. Here, the possible biological involvement of thyroid C cells is being investigated. The paper is a comparison between a case of a wild type single mouse and a over-expressing pleiotrophin single mouse exposed to hypogravity conditions during the first animal experiment of long stay in International Space Station (91 days) and three similar mice exposed to hypergravity (2Gs) conditions. We provide evidence that both microgravity and hypergravity induce similar loss of C cells with reduction of calcitonin production. Pleiotrophin over-expression result in some protection against negative effects of gravity change. Potential implication of the gravity mechanic forces in the regulation of bone homeostasis via thyroid equilibrium is discussed.

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.

Comparative study of changes in activity of calcitonin-producing cells in the thyroid and lungs during hypercalcemia

The conflicting results of previous evaluations of the influence of hypercalcemia on thyroid C-cells and the absence of reports on its influence on calcitonin (CT)-producing cells of the airways prompted this study. It aims to evaluate the activity and changing dynamics in CT-producing cells in rat thyroid glands and lungs after prolonged hypercalcemia. The hypercalcemia was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of 100,000IU of vitamin D(3) (Vigantol), Merck). Control and experimental rats were examined after 1, 7 and 14 days. Calcium and CT concentrations were measured in blood plasma. Paraffin wax embedded sections of thyroid and lungs were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. CT was detected immunohistochemically in thyroid C-cells and lung endocrine cells. Results showed increased calcium and CT concentrations in rat blood after vitamin D(3) administration, a statistically significant reduction in number of CT-positive cells in the thyroid with indications of their increased activity, and a statistically non-significant reduction of the number of cells immunopositive for CT in lungs after 1 day, and an increase after 7 days, compared to the control group. Lack of an obvious correlation in lung neuroendocrine cells among the rats with hypercalcemia may indicate the presence of other, perhaps local, functions for calcitonin.

Expression of somatostatin mRNA and peptides in C-cell tumours of the thyroid gland in Han Wistar rats

C-cell tumours of the thyroid gland are among the most common spontaneous neoplasms of the laboratory rat. With the exception of calcitonin, little attention has been paid to the secretory peptides of C cells during the development of neoplasia. Of these peptides, somatostatin (SS) is of particular interest because it has been shown to have a direct anti-secretory effect on both thyroid follicular and C cells in vitro. In the present study, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry were used to investigate the expression of SS mRNA and SS peptides, in normal C cells and a range of spontaneous proliferative C-cell lesions in the Han Wistar rat. It was confirmed that a small minority of C cells in the normal rat thyroid gland produce and store SS peptides; however, approximately half of all C-cell adenomas and C-cell carcinomas stained positively for SS mRNA and peptides. SS expression was also observed in all metastatic deposits of carcinomas in drainage lymph nodes. From these observations, it appears that C-cell tumours are more likely to develop from SS-expressing stem cells, rather than from non-SS-expressing stem cells. In addition, a lack of differentiation of neoplastic C cells, or reversion to more primitive cell types, could account for increased number of cells expressing SS in C-cell tumours relative to the normal C-cell population. Finally, the mean percentage of cells that stained positively for SS mRNA and peptides appeared to be significantly higher in small C-cell tumours, suggesting that SS may have exerted a growth-controlling influence on these lesions.

Time to reevaluate the therapeutic use of calcitonin and biological role attributable to parafollicular (C) cells

There is rich anecdotal evidence that calcitonin significantly increases bone mineral density and reduces fracture risk. However, observation in a previous study of an increased bone formation in calcitonin-deficient mice has led us to reevaluate the therapeutic use of calcitonin and to investigate the primary role of parafollicular (C) cells of the thyroid gland. We found that C cells are involved mainly in the regulation of follicular cell activity in a paracrine manner and in doing so they may regulate the growth rate in newborn by affecting the thyroid hormone levels in the early postnatal period. In the light of reports that showed thyroid physiology is different between populations and it is affected by environmental factors we suggested that C cells may be involved in population differences in thyroid physiology and environmental adaptation. We conclude that C cells may facilitate the adaptation of the follicular cells to environmental changes, enabling more effective coordinated functions of the body and producing variations between populations.

A new organotypic culture of thyroid tissue maintains three-dimensional follicles with C cells for a long term

Thyroid follicles embedded in extracellular matrix (ECM) seem to be supplied enough oxygen by a dense network of capillaries in vivo. Air exposure (AE) causes cells to increase oxygen availability in vitro. We speculated that three-dimensional (3D) environment of ECM together with AE may be applied to a thyroid tissue-organotypic culture, simply simulating such a microenvironment of follicles. To address the issue, we performed 3D collagen gel culture of minced thyroid tissues with or without AE. Most follicles in the tissues without AE died within 7 days. In culture with AE, most of the follicles with calcitonin-positive C cells were kept for over one month. Immunohistochemistry showed that thyrocytes displayed thyroglobulin, thyrotropin receptor, thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1), and pendrin, which are all crucial for thyroid function. C cells expressed calcitonin gene-related peptide and TTF-1. Our study is the first demonstration that 3D collagen gel culture with AE retains 3D thyroid follicles with C cells for a long term. This suggests that ECM and oxygen supply together may be crucial for maintenance of 3D follicle structure and function. Our method will possibly open a new path to the study of thyrocyte-C cell interaction and thyroid biology.

Distribution of the parathyroid hormone 2 receptor in rat: immunolocalization reveals expression by several endocrine cells

The PTH2 receptor is a G protein-coupled receptor selectively activated by PTH. We are studying the receptors distribution to guide the investigation of its physiological function. We have now generated an antibody from a C-terminal peptide sequence of the PTH2 receptor and used this to study its cellular distribution. Labeling with the antibody identified a number of endocrine cells expressing the PTH2 receptor, including thyroid parafollicular cells, pancreatic islet D cells, and some gastrointestinal peptide synthesizing cells. There was complete overlap of PTH2 receptor labeling with somatostatin in pancreatic islets, and partial overlap with somatostatin in thyroid parafollicular cells and in the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, observations made previously by in situ hybridization histochemistry, including expression throughout the cardiovascular system, as well as by discrete populations of cells within the gastrointestinal tract and reproductive system were confirmed. These data suggest a broad role for the PTH2 receptor, especially within the endocrine system, and provide a basis for experimental exploration of its physiology.

Immunocytochemical study of parafollicular (C) cells of the thyroid in some wild rodents

Studies were done on 3 wild species of rodents: field voles (Microtus agrestis, Linnaeus 1761), bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus, Schreber 1780), and forest mice (Apodemus flavicollis, Melchior 1834). Immunocytochemical reactions were used to detect calcitonin (CT), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), chromogranin A (CgA) in the thyroid parafollicular (C) cells in all species examined. Antisera to human CT, rat CGRP, bovine CgA, rat NSE and human NSE give probably a positive reaction in all C cells in the rodents examined. However, in the NSE determining reaction, much feebler positive C cells were observed. Individual variation in respect of shape and distribution of C cells was observed in all species. In forest mice the C cells resembled in shape the C cells previously described in mouse and rat. In field voles and bank voles the C cells were assembled into small groups more often than in forest mice. Antibodies (anti-human CT, anti-rat CGRP, anti-bovine CgA, anti-rat NSE and anti-human NSE) used by us were good markers of C cells in the thyroids of the 3 species of free-living rodents examined.

Immunocytochemical study of parafollicular cells of the thyroid and ultimobranchial remnants of the European bison

The aim of the present study was to compare parafollicular cells in the bison thyroid and its ultimobranchial remnants. The thyroid of 26 European bisons was fixed in Bouin's fluid, 5 microns thick paraffin sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Azan or silver Grimelius methods. For immunocytochemical analysis specific rabbit antisera were used against human calcitonin (CT), human calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), bovine (b) or rat (r) neuron-specific enolase (NSE), human synthetic somatostatin (ST), and porcine chromogranin. Strongly positive reactions in the majority of parafollicular cells were observed after application of antisera against CT, CGRP, bNSE and rNSE only. ST-immunopositive cells were found in small numbers. Immunopositive parafollicular cells were also present outside typical structures of the thyroid within persistent ultimobranchial remnants. In persistent ultimobranchial bodies, parafollicular cells were frequently observed in groups between ultimobranchial follicles in form of solid cell nests. Many of these cells did not react with any of the antisera used and showed features of immature cells. It is concluded that histomorphologic analysis and immunocytochemical examination reveals a heterogeneous population of parafollicular cells in the bison thyroid, and this heterogeneity was particularly clear in persistent ultimobranchial bodies.