Effect of repetitive potassium iodide on thyroid and cardiovascular functions in elderly rats
Résumé
Background: To date, paediatric thyroid cancer has been the most severe health consequence of the Chernobyl
accident, caused by radioactive iodine (
131I) aerosol’s dispersion. WHO recommends a single dose of potassium
iodide (KI) to reduce this risk. Following the Fukushima accident, it became obvious that repetitive doses of KI
may be necessary due to multiple exposures to 131I. Knowledge about the effects of repeated ITB (Iodine Thyroid
Blocking) is scarce and controversial. KI may affect the thyroid hormones synthesis; which is crucial for the
cardiovascular function. Furthermore, myocardial and vascular endothelial tissues are sensitizes to subtle
changes at the concentration of circulating pituitary and/or thyroid hormones.
Objective: In this preclinical study, we aimed to assess the effects of repeated ITB in elderly male rats.
Methods: Twelve months old male Wistar rats were subjected to either KI or saline solution for eight days. Analyses were performed 24 h and 30 days after the treatment discontinuation.
Findings: We reported a significant increase (18%) in some urinary parameters related to renal function, a subtle
decrease of plasma TSH level, a significant increase (379%) in renin and a significant decrease (50%) in aldosterone upon KI administration. At the molecular level, the expression of thyroid and cardiovascular genes was
significantly affected by the treatment. However, in our experimental settlement, animal heart rate was not
significantly affected thirty days after KI discontinuation. ECG patterns did not change after administration of KI,
and arrhythmia was not observed in these conditions despite the PR-intervals decreased significantly. Cardiovascular physiology was preserved.
Conclusion: Our results indicate that repeated ITB in elderly rats is characterized by molecular modifications of
cardiovascular key actors, particularly the Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis with a preserved physiological
homeostasis. This new scientific evidence may be useful for the maturation of ITB guidelines especially for
elderly sub-population.
Domaines
Sciences du Vivant [q-bio]Origine | Publication financée par une institution |
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Licence |