Abstract
The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of two heavy metals, Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb), on the structure and function of the thyroid gland. Wistar albino rats were chosen for experimental purpose. The animals were fed on diet mixed with given doses of Cd and Pb salts. Blood serum was taken from treated rats recorded decrease in the thyroxine (T4) and the 3, 3′, 5-triiodothyronine (T3) levels with a concomitant rise in the Thyroid Stimulator Hormone (TSH) levels, while no change in glucose and cholesterol levels was shown. Microscopic examination of the cellular structure of the thyroid glands of treated rat’s recorded changes in the follicular cells of the thyroid tissues in the rats exposed to Cd and Pb in a comparison to that of the control animals. Histological results were confirmed by the findings of the serum analyses that recorded inhibition on the production of the thyroid hormones in the presence of Cd and Pb. This indicates that animals exposed to Cd and Pb may be at a risk of thyroid damage. Key words: Heavy metals, cadmium, lead, thyroid.
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