Endocrine System

Thyroid Gland

Narrative

The thyroid gland contains two main types of cells: follicular cells that produce thyroxin and C cells that produce calcitonin. A thin fibrous capsule with blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerves, most prominent at the poles, encloses the thyroid. The histologic appearance of thyroid follicles and colloid varies greatly as a reflection of secretory activity. Variation in follicle size is common, with the larger follicles tending to be at the periphery of the gland (Figure 1). Follicular epithelial lining ranges from flattened to cuboidal (Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , and Figure 5). Active follicles are typically lined by more cuboidal epithelium (Figure 4 and Figure 5) and may have resorption vacuoles at the interface of the epithelia and the colloid (Figure 3). As mice age, their follicles become less active, more distended, and lined by flattened epithelium. Tinctorial variations in colloid are commonly seen.

Image of normal thyroid gland from a female Harlan Sprague-Dawley rat in a chronic study

Figure 1. Thyroid gland - Normal in a female Harlan Sprague-Dawley rat from a chronic study. The smaller parathyroid gland, with closely packed cells, lies adjacent to the larger thyroid gland with variably sized, colloid-filled follicles and interspersed C-cells.

Image of normal thyroid gland from a female Harlan Sprague-Dawley rat in a chronic study

Figure 2. Thyroid gland - Normal in a female Harlan Sprague-Dawley rat from a chronic study.Higher magnification of the follicles with amphophilic to basophilic colloid and C-cells.

Image of normal thyroid gland from a female Tg.AC (FVB/N) hemizygous mouse in a subchronic study

Figure 3. Thyroid gland - Normal in a female Tg.AC (FVB/N) hemizygous mouse from a subchronic study. Another high magnification image of the thyroid follicles with eosinophilic colloid and peripheral resorption vacuoles.

Image of normal thyroid gland from a female Tg.AC (FVB/N) hemizygous mouse in a subchronic study

Figure 4. Thyroid gland - Normal in a male B6C3F1 mouse from a chronic study. Thyroid follicles with a cluster of C-cells (arrow).

Image of normal thyroid gland from a male B6C3F1 mouse in a chronic study

Figure 5. Thyroid gland - Normal in a male B6C3F1 mouse from a chronic study. Variation in follicle size is a normal feature of thyroid glands in mice and rats.

C cells occur singly or in small clusters and increase in number and prominence with age. C cells are readily identified in rats but not prominent in routine H&E sections of mouse thyroid.

As a highly reactive organ, the thyroid may be a direct or indirect target of insult by many physical, chemical, or environmental agents. Since effects on the thyroid may be subtle or age related, it is important to assess changes with respect to concurrent age-matched controls. For common age-related changes, a diagnosis may not be necessary unless there is a potential treatment-related effect.

Authors and Reviewers

Authors

Robert R. Maronpot, DVM, MS, MPH, DACVP, DABT, FIATP
Senior Pathologist
Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc.
Research Triangle Park, NC

Amy Brix, DVM, PhD, DACVP
Senior Pathologist
Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc.
Research Triangle Park, NC

Reviewers

Thomas J. Rosol, DVM, PhD, DACVP
Professor of Veterinary Biosciences
Senior Advisor, Life Sciences, Technology Commercialization and Knowledge Transfer
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OH

Susan A. Elmore, MS, DVM, DACVP, DABT, FIATP
Staff Scientist, NTP Pathologist
NTP Pathology Group
National Toxicology Program
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Research Triangle Park, NC