Expressions of connexin 43, 26 in thyroid epithelial cells from the patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases

Abstract

Objective To investigate the expression of connexin 43, 26(Cx43, Cx26) in thyroid epithelial cells from the patients with autoimmune thyroid disenses(AITD) and the role of the two connexins in the development and turnover of AITD. Methods S-P immunohistochemical method was used to determine the expression and the distribution of Cx43, Cx26 in 16 cases with normal thyroid tissues of thyroid adenoma, 30 cases with Graves disease (GD) and 30 cases with Hashimoto thyroditis (HT). Results ①Cx43, Cx26 expressed in the thyroid epithelial cells in control, GD and HT group, and both of the connexin proteins were localized in the cytoplasm and the plasma membrane at the points of neighboring cell contact. ②The positive rates of Cx43 in thyroid epithelial cells from control, GD and HT group were 75.00%(12/16), 100.00%(30/30) and 33.33%(10/30), respectively. The positive rates of Cx26 in thyroid epithelial cells from control, GD and HT group were 68.75%(11/16), 100.00% (30/30) and 20.00% (6/30), respectively. The expression levels of Cx43, Cx26 in GD group were significantly higher than those in normal thyroid tissues(Z = 4.782,5.310, all P < 0.017), and the expression levels of Cx43, Cx26 in HT group were significantly lower than those in normal thyroid tissue(Z=2.703,3.123, all P< 0.017). Conclusions There are Cx43, Cx26 expressions in the human thyroid epithelial cells, and there is heterogenicity in levels of Cx43, Cx26 expression in AITD. The different expressions may play an important role in the development and prognosis of AITD. Key words: Graves disease; Hashimoto disease; Autoimmunity; Connexins; Immunohistochemistry