Publication Details
Abstract
This study analyzes the morphological and morphometric alterations of the thyroid gland in zinc-deficient white rats compared with healthy controls. Zinc deficiency is known to impair thyroid hormone synthesis, transcriptional regulation, and antioxidant defense mechanisms through its essential role in the activity of thyroid peroxidase (TPO) and multiple zinc-dependent metalloenzymes. Experimental findings demonstrated significant changes in capillary parameters, follicular dimensions, epithelial height, stromal composition, and colloid structure under Zn deficiency. These results highlight the critical role of zinc in maintaining thyroid follicular integrity and endocrine homeostasis, confirming the close relationship between microelement balance and thyroid functional status.