Functional capacity of the thyroid autograft and heterograft: An experimental study

Background The aim of this study was to investigate the functional capacity of thyroid autografts/heterografts in a guinea pig model. Methods A total of 24 guinea pigs were divided into 4 groups. Group A had only a thyroidectomy incision, and group B had total thyroidectomy. We performed autotransplantation in group C and heterotransplantation in group D. We monitored the guinea pigs for an 8-week period, with weekly measurements of free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). At the final stage, the autografts/heterografts were histologically examined. Results In group B, fT3/fT4 showed a gradual decrease; however, an increase of TSH was noted. In groups C and D, fT3/fT4 showed a gradual decrease, followed by a gradual increase until euthyroid levels; an exact opposite was noted for TSH. In histologic examination, there were functional thyroid follicles in all animals of groups C and D. Conclusions The autotransplanted/heterotransplanted guinea pig's thyroid tissue provides adequate thyroid function. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012