Regenerative potentials of the murine thyroid in experimental autoimmune thyroiditis: role of CD24

Endocrinology. 2009 Jan;150(1):492-9. doi: 10.1210/en.2008-0639. Epub 2008 Sep 18.

Abstract

Hashimoto thyroiditis can be partially reproduced in mice by immunization with thyroglobulin or, more recently, thyroperoxidase. This experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT) model has been extensively characterized during early disease phases (up to d 35 after immunization). By extending the analysis of EAT to 100 d after immunization, we noted a remarkable regenerative capacity of the thyroid and the expression of Oct-4, suggesting in vivo the existence of adult thyroid stem cells. After an almost complete destruction of the follicular architecture, occurring between d 21 and 28, the thyroid was capable of restoring its follicles and reducing the mononuclear infiltration, so that by d 100 after immunization, it regained its normal morphology and function. During this regeneration process, thyrocytes expressed high levels of CD24. We therefore assessed the role of CD24 in thyroid regeneration by inducing EAT in mice lacking CD24. Regeneration was faster in the absence of CD24, likely a consequence of the effect of CD24 on the infiltrating lymphocytes. The study suggests that the EAT model can also be used as a tool to investigate adult thyroid stem cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CD24 Antigen / physiology*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Female
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred DBA
  • Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen / genetics
  • Regeneration
  • Thyroglobulin / metabolism
  • Thyroid Gland / pathology
  • Thyroid Gland / physiopathology*
  • Thyroiditis, Autoimmune / pathology
  • Thyroiditis, Autoimmune / physiopathology*
  • Thyroxine / metabolism

Substances

  • CD24 Antigen
  • Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen
  • Thyroglobulin
  • Thyroxine