A Review of Hyperthyroidism Models in Mouse and Rat

Humans can rarely be used as experimental models in medical researches, because of ethical issues. Therefore, some animal models, which have physiological systems similar to humans, are commonly used. In this regard, rats and mice are the most favorable species in research models. The thyroid gland has a key role in human growth and development and is essential for normal functioning of the body systems and tissues. The aim of this study was to review rat and mouse models of hyperthyroidism. Related articles published between 1975-2014 on hyperthyroidism in rat and mice were searched in Pub Med. Hyperthyroidism can be induced in animals using different doses of thyroid hormons (T3 and T4) by oral administration, injection, or with the diet. In addition, transgenic mice could act as a model of hyperthyroidism for the design of specific model of hyperthyroidism, such as Grave's disease. Animal models of hyperthyroidism could be used for studying the disease, treatment and identification of the molecular mechanisms involved. Pharmacologic agents are mostly used for creating animals models of hyperthyroidism because of their easy availability and low cost, compared to genetic techniques that are costly and expensive.