The study was carried out to investigate the effects of two heavy metals, Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb), on the structure and function of the thyroid gland. Wistar albino rats were chosen for experimental purpose. The animals were fed on diet mixed with given doses of Cd and Pb salts. Blood sera was taken from treated rats recorded decrease in the thyroxine (T4) and the 3, 3′, 5-triiodothyronine (T3) levels with a concomitant rise in the Thyroid Stimulator Hormone (TSH) levels. Besides, glucose levels were decreased in treated animals while no change in cholesterol concentration was shown. Microscopic examination of the cellular structure of the thyroid glands of treated rats recorded changes in the follicular cells of the thyroid tissues in the rats exposed to Cd and Pb in a comparison to that of the control animals. These changes were similar in treated rats but differed in the intensity of the changes. These changes were slight in the case of Cd; whereas they were seriously advanced in thyroid gland treated animals with Pb. Histological results were confirmed by the findings of the sera analyses that recorded inhibition on the production of the thyroid hormones in the presence of Cd and Pb. This indicates that animals exposed to Cd and Pb may be at a risk of thyroid damage.
You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.