Cellular and subcellular alterations of the thyroid gland in rats caused by lithium carbonate.

Biochemical, hematologic, histometric, structural and ultrastructural changes were studied in the thyroid gland of rats, whom were administered Lithium carbonate. It was noted that (1) the Li carbonate had a cumulative effect on the serum; (2) T3 and T4 hormones in the blood decreased throughout the experiment; (3) the red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelets and leukocytes decreased gradually; (4) the diameter of the thyroid follicles, the size of the follicular cells and colloid droplets decreased, whereas the stroma was invaded by a greater number of collagen fibers and blood capillaries.