Purpose: To study the hormonal production of the thyroid transplanted into the mesenteric fatty tissue. Methods: Forty-two Wistar rats were used, 30 in the experimental group and 12 as controls, to test survival after 100 days of transplantation. Half of the thyroid was removed and implanted into the mesenteric tissue. Ten days later the half of the gland left in situ was removed. Levels of thyroid hormones were measured at several different periods after transplantation, in serum from peripheral blood. Removed tissue was submitted to histological, morphometric and ultrastructural analysis. Results: Morphologic studies were within normal limits. . The T3 and T4 hormones maintained their normal levels. TSH levels showed marked elevation, which subsided around the 75 day of transplantation, but remained elevated during the entire experimental period. Levels of gamma-globulin remained within normal limits. Conclusion: Levels of T3 and T4 reflected the preservation of good thyroid function during mesenteric transplantation. The increased TSH levels revealed pituitary stimulation to a reduced amount of thyroid tissue. The autologous implantation of thyroid tissue is thus feasible and safe.
Transplantation, Autologous; Thyroid Gland; Thyroidectomy
