| PART 1Objective: To investigate the effect of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on human thyrocytes in vitro.Methods: Thyroid follicular epithelium cells (TEC) were cultured in the absence or presence of different concentrations of PCBs. The proliferation of cells was measured by MTT. T4 concentration was assessed by RIA, and Tg concentration was detected by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA). The apoptosis rate of thyrocytes was determined by FCM. The ultrastructure of cells was observed with electron microscope. Results: PCBs in the concentrations of 20 ～ 2000ng/ml decreased thyroglobulin (Tg) and T4 levels released from thyroid cells in a dose-dependent manner, while the apoptosis rate of thyroid cells was increased. The ultrastructure of thyroid cells was damaged as well. Conclusion: PCBs might interfere with human thyroid function and thyroid homeostasis, and damage the structure of thyroid cell. |
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