- Accueil
- Volume 11 (1992)
- Number 2 - Dec. 1992
- Morphometrical changes in follicles of the thyroid glands in chronic alcoholism
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Morphometrical changes in follicles of the thyroid glands in chronic alcoholism
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Abstract
The effect of chronic ethanol consumption on the structure of thyroid gland follicles was the subject of our studies. Mature male Wistar rats were given 15% ethanol solution ad libitum as the only liquid offered. The animals were sacrificed in three groups: one, three and six months after the beginning of alcohol ingestion. Stereological analysis showed a significant increase in the volume density of follicular epithelium /Vve/, its thickness /t/, index of activation of the thyroid gland /Ia=Vve/Vvc/, and significant reduction in volume density of colloid /Vvc/ in all the periods examined. These results suggest the possibility that long-term alcoholism can disturb the normal structure of the thyroid gland, besides its well-known effects on the peripheral metabolism of thyroid hormones.