TitleReversibility of Proliferative Thyroid Lesions Induced by Iodine Deficiency in a Laboratory Zebrafish Colony.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2018
AuthorsMurray, KN, Wolf, JC, Spagnoli, ST, Lains, D, Budrow, N, Kent, ML
JournalZebrafish
Volume15
Issue6
Pagination558-565
Date Published2018 12
ISSN1557-8542
KeywordsAdenoma, Animals, Diet, Female, Hyperplasia, Iodine, Male, Thyroid Gland, Thyroid Neoplasms, Zebrafish
Abstract

A laboratory zebrafish colony developed red masses, predominantly under the jaw, in a significant portion of the population. The masses were diagnosed histopathologically as thyroid follicular hyperplasia, adenoma, or carcinoma in accordance with published morphologic criteria. After switching to a higher iodine brand of salt used to maintain a low level of salinity within the water system and a small diet change, the thyroid lesions regressed dramatically. Within 5 months the masses were no longer grossly visible. At the population level, external evaluations and histopathological assessments of whole-body sections document a regression in the prevalence of thyroid neoplasia and hyperplasia to normal thyroid conformation by 11 months after salt change. These findings suggest that a wide range of proliferative thyroid lesions, including neoplasms, in zebrafish may be hormone-dependent, even following lesion development. In addition, these results suggest that zebrafish have an adaptive ability to absorb iodine from water and food, which should be considered in discussions to standardize diets and when describing environmental parameters in publications.

DOI10.1089/zeb.2018.1603
Alternate JournalZebrafish
PubMed ID30136899
PubMed Central IDPMC6277081
Grant ListP40 OD011021 / OD / NIH HHS / United States