Thyroid Hormone and Heart Health
Author Information
Author(s): Savinova Olga V., Liu Yingheng, Aasen Garth A., Mao Kai, Weltman Nathan Y., Nedich Brett L., Liang Qiangrong, Gerdes A. Martin
Primary Institution: Cardiovascular Health Research Center, Sanford Research/University of South Dakota
Hypothesis
How do thyroid hormones regulate coronary microvascular remodeling in hypothyroid rats?
Conclusion
Thyroid hormone treatment rapidly restores arteriolar density in hypothyroid rats, suggesting a role in coronary microvascular remodeling.
Supporting Evidence
- Thyroid hormone treatment restored arteriolar density to control levels within 72 hours.
- Hypothyroidism resulted in arteriolar atrophy in the left ventricle.
- T3 treatment induced small arteriolar muscularization.
- Gene expression changes were assessed using quantitative PCR Array.
Takeaway
This study shows that thyroid hormones help the tiny blood vessels in the heart grow back to normal when they shrink due to low thyroid function.
Methodology
Hypothyroid rats were treated with thyroid hormone and their coronary microvasculature was analyzed morphometrically and through gene expression.
Limitations
The study was conducted on a specific rat model, which may not fully represent human physiology.
Participant Demographics
Female Sprague-Dawley rats aged 10 weeks.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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