Effect of calcium on structural and morphometric features of thyroid gland tissue in middle-aged rat females

Abstract

The subject of these studies was the thyroid gland tissue of middle-aged (14-month-old) female rats chronically treated with calcium glucoheptonate. The peripheral and central zone of the thyroids were stereologically analysed and the following morphometric parameters determined: the height and volumetric density of follicular epithelium, colloid, interstitium and follicles and index of activation rate. The height of follicular epithelium, its volume density and index of activation rate were significantly reduced (by 8%, p < 0.05, 18%, p < 0.025 and 34%, p < 0.01, respectively) as compared to the controls. However, the volumetric density of colloid and interstitium were increased (by 10% and 14% respectively). These morphometric results indicate that Ca treatment expressed an inhibitory effect on thyroid follicular cells structure in middle-aged female rats.