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Iodine and the Exocrine System
Glands of the body are classified as either endocrine or exocrine types.
Endocrine glands are the hormone producing structures of the body, such as the thyroid, adrenal, and pituitary glands. They secrete their products into the bloodstream.
Exocrine glands have ducts that connect to epithelial or surface cells. For example, salivary glands open to the oral cavity, sweat glands deposit their products onto the body surface, mammary gland secrete milk from the breast, lacrimal glands secrete tears onto the surface of the eye, and glands in the gastrointestinal system secrete digestive enzymes and other products into the gastrointestinal tube.
Many exocrine glands concentrate iodine and express the Sodium-Iodide Symporter (NIS).
Spitzweg et al investigate the expression of the Sodium-Iodide Symporter in several human exocrine glands, including the salivary gland, lacrimal gland, gastric mucosa, choroid plexus, and lactating mammary gland.
Bakheet looks at iodine in tears secreted by the lacrimal gland in the eye.
Solans, Zettinig, and Nakada examines damage to the salivary and lacrimal glands caused by radioiodine treatments.
See also: Mouth, Breast, Skin, Eyes, Gastrointestinal System