Effect of aging on the morphology and function of the thyroid gland of the cream hamster. Further evidence for two different mechanisms of hormone secretion.

The effect of aging on the morphology and function of the thyroid gland of the cream hamster was studied by light and electron microscopy coupled with autoradiography or histochemistry. Morphologically, aging induces an accumulation of lysosomal dense bodies and a loss of the phagocytosis of colloid droplets after stimulation with TSH. Iodine uptake and organification occur normally and thyroglobulin synthesis, estimated by autoradiography with 3H-leucine, is not different from that observed in young animals. The basal T4 and T3 plasma levels are lower in the old animals. A low iodine diet administered for several months prevents the age related accumulation of lysosomal dense bodies. Hormone secretion seems to proceed by two different mechanisms; phagocytosis of colloid droplets, the classical mechanism that decreases with age, and an additional mechanism, probably micropinocytosis, that is maintained during the whole lifespan.