The effects of low-esterified pectin on lead-induced thyroid injury in rats

Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology

Volume 17, Issue 2, June 2004, Pages 67–71，http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.etap.2004.03.001

Maxim Khotimchenkoa, Irina Sergushchenkoa, Yuri Khotimchenkob

1  Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Vladivostok State Medical University, Vladivostok, Russia

2 Laboratory of Pharmacology, Institute of Marine Biology, Far East Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok 690041, Russia

Abstract

The main purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of low-esterified pectin on lead-induced thyroid injury in rats. Animals were fed 100 mg/kg of lead acetate through gavage for 3 weeks. After that, solution containing 50 mg/kg of low-esterified pectin was administered through gavage for 2 weeks. At the end of experiment, the endpoints related to circulating thyroid hormone (serum thyroxine and triiodothyronine), thyroid gland histomorphology (thyroid follicle cross sectional area, epithelial height, follicle roundness or aspect ratio, and colloid/epithelial ratio), and thyroid gland weight were assessed. Administration of lead resulted in reduced blood hormone levels, decreased thyroid gland weight, and impaired alterations in histomorphology. At the end of experiment, thyroid gland weight and blood hormone level were increased because of additional administration of low-esterified pectin. Also, signs of improved thyroid histomorphology were registered. The results obtained indicate the beneficial effects of low-esterified pectin on lead-induced thyroid injury.