Effects of ClC-3 over-expression on structure and function of thyroid in mice

AIM: To study the effect of ClC-3 gene over-expression on thyroid structure and function in mice.METHODS: Three-months-old FVB mice were used to study the difference of thyroid structure and function between wild-type (WT) mouse and ClC-3 transgene mice. The expression and distribution of ClC-3 in the thyroid of mice were determined by the methods of qPCR, Western blot and immunofluorescence. Behavioral monitoring was performed on the daily activities of mice. Serum concentrations of total triiodothyronine (TT3), total thyroxine (TT4) and thyrotropin (TSH) were measured by ELISA.RESULTS: Compared with the WT group, the expression of ClC-3 in the thyroid of ClC-3 transgene group was significantly increased (P<0.05). The thyroid gland showed obvious hyperplasia and the folliculi glandulae thyreoideae was significantly bigger in ClC-3 transgene mice (P<0.05). The weight loss was increased in ClC-3 transgene mice (P<0.05). The expression of TT3 and TT4 were significantly higher than that of WT group (P<0.05), but the change of TSH was not obvious.CONCLUSION: ClC-3 over-expression results in thyroid hyperplasia and thyroid hormone secretion. This study suggests that ClC-3 is likely to be involved in the synthesis of thyroid hormones.