Ghrelin potentiates TSH-induced expression of the thyroid tissue-specific genes thyroglobulin, thyroperoxidase and sodium-iodine symporter, in rat PC-Cl3 Cells

► Ghrelin is expressed in the CA77 C-cell line and in normal and neoplastic rat thyroid C-cells. ► Ghrelin receptor 1α is functionally expressed in normal and neoplastic C-cells and thyrocytes. ► Ghrelin enhances TSH-induced proliferation rate in PC-Cl3 rat thyrocytes. ► Ghrelin potentiates TSH-induced expression of thyroglobulin, thyroperoxidase and sodium-iodine symporter.