The Application of GC/MS to Quantify 17(beta)-Estradiol within the Thyroid- Gonad Signaling Pathway of the American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)

摘要

The prevalence of thyroid disease in humans is second only to diabetes (in terms of endocrine diseases); therefore, a better understanding of thyroid physiology is needed. In most vertebrates, thyroid disorders are more common in females, leading to the belief that thyroid disorders could be estrogen-dependent. Little is known about steroid receptors in the thyroid, and until recently they were not known to exist in the thyroid of alligators. Currently, there is no definite explanation for their presence in the thyroid, particularly estrogen receptors (ERs) in animals and humans, thus more information of their role is needed. The information obtained in this study helps further elucidate the relationship between circulating estrogens, estrogen receptors and thyroid disorders.