Experimental Thyroiditis in Hypoactive and Stimulated Guinea-Pig Thyroid Glands

Abstract

Experimental thyroiditis were induced in guinea-pig treated with either methimazole or triiodothyronine and were compared with one group immunized without any other preparation. No statistical difference in the date of onset and the intensity of the lesions could be noticed suggesting that the initial functional state of the thyroid does not interfere with the thyroiditis process. Electron micrographs of thyroiditis in animals treated with triiodothyronine showed thyroid epithelial changes with hyperplasia, which might account for an increased cellular activity. As in these cases thyrotrophs function of the pituitary gland was depressed, the hyperplasia of the thyroid cells was not produced by a thyrotropin reactive secretion.

Key words

Thyroiditis - TSH - Thyroid Secretion - Thyroid Hyperplasia - Hürthle Cells - Colloid Cells