The Potential Effect on Aldosterone and Electrolyte Balance in Rats Caused by Hypothyroidism

Abstract

Hypothyroidism, also known as an underactive thyroid, in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones .So far, there is no evidence explaining whether hypothyroidism affected aldosterone hormone and electrolyte in female rats, this study aimed recognize the effect of hypothyroidism on aldosterone hormone ,Na and K . Twenty female rats were equally divide into two groups (10 rats in each group): the first group were intraperitoneally injected with normal saline for 21 days; the second group was orally given 50 mg/kg propylthiouracil for induction hypothyroidism. At the end of experiment, blood samples were collected to assess hormone , (TSH, aldosterone) , also  the level of K+ and Na+ were measured and adrenal gland was taken from the rats for histological examination ,and they were fixed in formalin solution and routine paraffin – embedded section staining  with hematoxylin and eosin staining. The result of the study revealed a significant increase (P≤0.05) in TSH hormone concentration and a significant decrease (P≤0.05) in  aldosterone  and Na concentration .Histopathological examination of part of the adrenal gland were, compared to negative control, showed the separation of the capsule from the cortex in multiple areas, along with a reduction in the thickness of zona glomerulosa, cell and fiber destruction, and the disintegration of plasma membranes which led to fusion of cells, with nuclei appearing darker in color and nucleoli disintegrating in some cells, indicating reduced glandular activity. The study concluded that aldosterone and sodium influenced by hypothyroidism, which lead to histopathological changes in adrenal gland indicating a reduction in its activity