Dependence of calcium on thyroid hormone for the regulation of cellular functions

Abstract

Recently, the thyroid hormone has been shown to cause increase in Ca²⁺concentration by mobilizing intracellular Ca²⁺. The mobilization of intracellular Ca²⁺in the absence of transmembrane Ca²⁺influx has been accepted as evidence for a cell-surface Ca²⁺ - receptor. The possible role of thyroid hormone in the regulation of cellular functions by Ca2+-channel was investigated using parameters proven to indispensably involve Ca²⁺: Bleeding and clotting times and rat uterine muscle activity in Ca2+-free Tyrode's solution. Adult female Wistar rats divided into four groups, namely; (i) Control, (ii) Thyroidectomized, (iii) Throidectomized-treated with thyroxine and (iv) Thyroxinetreated; were fed on rat chow. While groups i and ii were allowed access to tap water ad libitum for 60 days, groups iii and iv received tyroxine (10mg/kg body weight) every alternate day and tap water ad libitum for 60 days. All groups were kept in an air-conditioned room till they were euthanized. The results showed that thyroxine elicited biphasic contraction in Ca²⁺- depletion and potentiated uterine contraction during Ca²⁺ - loading (P<0.001). Inhibition of contractions in thyroidectomy, showed dependency of Ca²⁺on thyroid hormones for the regulation of cellular functions.

Keywords: thyroid hormones, calcium receptor, cellular functions

Nigerian Journal of Physiological Sciences Vol. 20(1&2) 2005: 95-100