Calpain inhibitors regulate the conversion of thyroid gland follicles in rats and humans

Effects of calpain inhibitors on thyroid follicle conversion into monolayer was investigated. Human and rat primary thyroid cultures require the follicular structure after enzyme disaggregation of native tissue fragments. Removal of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the culture medium causes migration of thyrocytes from follicles into monolayer, some differences were noted in conversion of rat and human thyroid follicles. The locomotion of rat thyrocytes is observed after preliminary incubation with TSH, but migration of thyrocytes from human thyroid follicles does not require such a preincubation. Phorbol esters induce migration of rat and human thyroid cells. Calpain inhibitors exert a significant influence on locomotion of the thyroid gland cells induced by the removal of TSH from the culture medium. Human thyrocyte migration is markedly inhibited by calpain inhibitor I or II. Likewise, addition of calpain inhibitor I into primary culture of rat thyrocytes decreased the number of migrating cells by 52%, and shortened average migration distance by 34%. Also, calpain inhibitors reduced the speed of phorbol ether-induced conversion of rat and human thyroid follicles into monolayer.     

Molecular Mechanisms of the Relationship between Thyroid Dysfunctions and Diabetes Mellitus

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) are known to increase the incidence of thyroid gland (TG) dysfunctions. The review addresses the literature data and our experimental results on the molecular mechanisms that underlie thyroid disorders under DM. Most important of these mechanisms are the attenuation of thyrocyte adenylyl cyclase signaling system sensitivity to thyroid-stimulating hormone, the decrease in the number of thyroid hormone receptors in peripheral tissues, and the decline in activity as well as changes in the ratio of different deiodinase forms in these tissues. Decreased activity of D2 deiodinases, which convert thyroxine into the active form of triiodothyronine, is associated with the development of insulin resistance, while decreased activity of D3 deiodinases, which catalyze inactivation of triiodothyronine in pancreatic β cells, suppresses insulin secretion and leads to insulin deficiency. Thus, both the excess and the deficiency of thyroid hormones can entail diabetic pathology. Identification of thyroid disorders is of utmost importance for elaborating novel approaches to treat and prevent thyroid diseases associated with type 1 and type 2 DM.     

The effect of small doses of ionizing radiation on the cAMP system in the thyroid gland of chick embryos

Adenylate cyclase activity and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) content were studied in the thyroid gland of intact and irradiated (0.029 Gy given before incubation) embryos and chickens. The enzyme activity was stimulated and the nucleotide content increased on the 18th day of the embryo development. It is suggested that the observed stimulation of the cAMP system is associated with the increased secretion of the thyrotropic hormone which controls the functional activity of the thyroid gland.     

Development of a human monoclonal antibody from a Graves' disease patient that identifies a novel thyroid membrane antigen

To investigate the interaction between antibodies and the thyroid gland in Graves' disease, PBL were harvested from seven Graves' disease patients and transformed into lymphoblasts by the addition of EBV in the presence of cyclosporine A. These lymphoblasts were cloned by limiting dilution and then assayed for binding activity to human thyroglobulin, thyroid-stimulating hormone, thyroid microsome, and thyroid as well as guinea pig fat cell membranes. Four patients' cells produced antibody that bound to at least one of the Ag; a single clone from one patient that bound equally well to both thyroid and guinea pig fat cell membranes (but not to other thyroid Ag) was selected for further evaluation. Fusion of these cells with SHM-D33 heteromyeloma cells yielded three cell lines that produced genetically identical mAb. Immunostaining of human thyrocytes with this mAb demonstrated an Ag present on both nuclear and cell membranes. This Ag was identified as an 18,000 m.w. protein band on Western blots of both human thyroid and guinea pig fat cell membranes. The mAb was also able to alter thyrocyte physiology as the short term incubation of this mAb with FRTL-5 cells in vitro inhibited thyroid-stimulating hormone-mediated production of cAMP. Thus, this mAb and the Ag it identifies may be relevant to Graves' disease.     

Thyroid stimulating hormone upregulates secretion of cathepsin B from thyroid epithelial cells

Constant levels of thyroid hormones in the blood are principal requirements for normal vertebrate development. Their release depends on the regulated proteolysis of thyroglobulin which is extracellularly stored in the follicle lumen under resting conditions. Thyroglobulin is proteolytically degraded to a major part in lysosomes, but in part also extracellularly leading to the release of thyroxine. Extracellularly occurring lysosomal enzymes are most probably involved in the proteolytic release of thyroxine. In this study we have analyzed the secretion of cathepsin B by thyroid follicle cells (primary cells as well as FRTL-5 cells) and its regulation by thyroid stimulating hormone, which stimulated the secretory release of the proenzyme as well as of mature cathepsin B. Within one to two hours of stimulation with thyroid stimulating hormone, the cathepsin B activity associated with the plasma membrane increased significantly. This increase correlated closely with the localization of lysosomes in close proximity to the plasma membrane of cultured thyrocytes as well as with the thyroxine liberating activity of thyrocyte secretion media. These observations indicate that thyroid stimulating hormone induces the secretion of cathepsin B, which contributes to the extracellular release of thyroxine by thyrocytes.     

Cholinergic and VIPergic effects on thyroid hormone secretion in the mouse

The thyroid gland is known to harbor cholinergic and VIPergic nerves. In the present study, the influences of cholinergic stimulation by carbachol, cholinergic blockade by methylatropine and stimulation with various VIP sequences on basal, TSH-induced and VIP-induced thyroid hormone section were investigated in vivo in mice. The mice were pretreated with 125I and thyroxine; the subsequent release of 125I is an estimation of thyroid hormone secretion. It was found that basal radioiodine secretion was inhibited by both carbachol and methylatropine. Furthermore, TSH-induced radioiodine secretion was inhibited already by a low dose of carbachol. Moreover, a high dose of carbachol could inhibit VIP-induced radioiodine secretion. Methylatropine did not influence TSH- or VIP-stimulated radioiodine secretion, but counteracted the inhibitory action of carbachol on TSH- and VIP-induced radioiodine release. In addition, contrary to VIP, six various synthesized VIP fragments had no effect on basal or stimulated radioiodine release. It is concluded that basal thyroid hormone secretion is inhibited by both cholinergic activation and blockade. Furthermore, TSH-induced thyroid hormone secretion is more sensitive to inhibition with cholinergic stimulation than is VIP-induced thyroid hormone secretion. In addition, the VIP stimulation of thyroid hormone secretion seems to require the full VIP sequence.     

Histological and ultrastructural alterations of rat thyroid gland after short-term treatment with high doses of thyroid hormones

The aim of the present study was to investigate histological alterations of rat thyroid gland after short-term treatment with supraphysiological doses of thyroid hormones. Rats from experimental groups were treated with triiodothyronine (T3) or thyroxine (T4) during five days. In both treated groups, thyrocyte height was reduced and follicular lumens were distended. Progressive involutive changes of the thyroid parenchyma were apparent, including follicular remodeling (fusion) and death of thyrocytes. Morphological changes confirmed by quantitative analysis were more pronounced in the T4-treated group. Our results demonstrate that thyrotoxicosis, whether induced by T3 or T4, leads to different grades of thyroid tissue injury, including some irreversible damages. These changes might be explained at least in part by lack of trophic and cytoprotective effects of the thyroid stimulating hormone. Since the period required for morphophysiological recovery may be unpredictable, findings presented here should be taken into consideration in cases where the thyroid hormones are used as a treatment for thyroid and non-thyroid related conditions.     

Antidiuretic hormone content in the neurohypophysis of adult white rats after hydrocortisone administration in the early postnatal period

The age-related time-course of changes in arginine-vasopressin (AVP) content in the pituitary gland was studied in adult intact Wistar rats. In 60-day-old rats, the hormone content was measured before and after 24 h of water deprivation. In adult rats treated with a single injection of hydrocortisone at different times after birth, the content of AVP remained high in rats injected with hydrocortisone on day 2 or day 5 after birth, exceeding significantly the content of AVP in intact rats. The animals injected with hydrocortisone on day 9 or 15 manifested a more noticeable reduction in the hormone content, as was the case in intact rats. It is suggested that the first five days after birth is a critical period in the formation of the central regulation of AVP secretion with high sensitivity to short-term changes in corticosteroid balance.     

Effect of potassium iodide and perchlorate on the process of thyroid hormone secretion]

The influence of potassium iodide and perchlorate on the parameters characterizing the thypoid hormones secretion, such as the cAMP level in the gland tissue and the number of intracellular colloid droplets under condition of stimulation by thyrotropic hormone was studied. It was shown that the abovementioned parameters were depressed by an excess of iodide, but perchlorate administration prevented the inhibitory effect of iodide. The results obtained favour the conception on the sensitivity of the thyroid adenylate cyclase system to the organic iodine concentration. Apparently and excess of iodide depressed the capacity of perchlorate to influence its concentration in the gland, and thereby the process of iodine organification and of the thyroid hormone secretion maintained at the optimal leve.     

Congenital iodide organification defect accompanied by a large nodular goiter: a case report

A girl who had a nontoxic diffuse goiter with a congenital organification defect of iodide was first seen at the age of 8 years, and since then she has been followed up for a long period. The nodularity of the thyroid gland had gradually progressed, because of intermittent failure of ingestion of thyroid hormone preparation which was followed by excess TSH secretion. 18 years later, a nodular goiter developed and the patient underwent subtotal thyroidectomy. In order to prevent the development of nodular change in the thyroid gland in this disorder, supplemental thyroid hormone medication should be started as soon as the diagnosis is confirmed, and the therapy should be carried out regularly.     

Comparative morphometric analysis of thyrocytes in a primary tumor and regional metastases in papillary thyroid gland cancer

OBJECTIVE: To perform a comparative analysis of thyrocyte nuclei and the aggregability degree in tumor cells in the thyroid gland with papillary cancer and in cervical lymph nodes with metastases. STUDY DESIGN: Thyrocytes in papillary cancer and those of cervical lymph nodes with its metastasis have been studied with the help of morphometry. RESULTS: As a result of mathematical transformation of the initial morphometric database, quantitative features of thyrocyte nuclei and aggregates characterizing the norm, papillary cancer and regional metastases were obtained. These features were united into 2 systems of decision criteria on the base of a set of quantitative features of thyrocyte nuclei and aggregates. Analysis was performed among the groups of comparison with the help of these systems. CONCLUSION: Malignant cells of the primary tumor have been shown to have evident quantitative features of nuclear atypia and a higher degree of aggregability compared with the norm. The differences between the quantitative features of nuclei and aggregates in malignant cells of the primary tumor in the thyroid gland and its metastases in cervical lymph nodes were less pronounced.     

Lack of correlation between the activation of the Ca(2+)-phosphatidylinositol cascade and the regulation of DNA synthesis in the dog thymocyte.

Changes in the [Ca2+]i and/or activation of phospholipase C are thought to participate in the control by several growth factors of the mammalian cell proliferation. It has even been claimed that activation of the Ca(2+)-phosphatidylinositol cascade is sufficient to elicit cell proliferation [Jackson et al. (1988) Nature 335, 437-440; Julius et al. (1989) Science 244, 1057-1062]. In this work, we have evaluated the control of DNA synthesis by this cascade in a differentiated epithelial cell model: the dog thyrocyte in primary culture. We first observed that potent activators of the dog thyrocyte (2+)-phosphatidylinositol cascade such as carbachol or bradykinin failed to promote the onset of DNA synthesis in these cells. Moreover, carbachol inhibited the mitogenic effect of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and of epidermal growth factor (EGF). The mitogenic effect of EGF was also reduced by bradykinin. Nevertheless, carbachol enhanced the expression of the protooncogenes c-fos and c-myc mRNAs. The time course of this enhancement was identical to the time course for the induction of c-fos and c-myc mRNAs by phorbol esters or EGF. On the other hand, in most experiments, TSH and EGF were able to trigger the onset of dog thyrocyte DNA synthesis without affecting their intracellular free Ca2+ concentration [Ca2+]i, 45Ca2+ efflux, or inositol phosphate generation. In several experiments, TSH increased the dog thyrocyte 45Ca2+ release and promoted a rise in the [Ca2+]i or the inositol phosphate accumulation but these effects were weak. In contrast to the effect of carbachol, the TSH effects on the [Ca2+]i and the 45Ca2+ efflux appeared slowly, were sustained, and were extremely sensitive to extracellular Ca2+ depletion. They were observed at hormone concentrations higher than the concentration achieving maximal stimulation of DNA synthesis. Similarly, in a few experiments, a slight increase in the [Ca2+]i or in the inositol trisphosphate generation were provoked by EGF. However, these modifications were not associated with an increased mitogenic potency of EGF. Finally, in all experiments, fetal calf serum slightly accelerated the dog thyrocyte 45Ca2+ efflux and increased their inositol phosphate generation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Mechanistic considerations for the relevance of animal data on thyroid neoplasia to human risk assessment

There are two basic mechanisms whereby chemicals produce thyroid gland neoplasia in rodents. The first involves chemicals that exert a direct carcinogenic effect in the thyroid gland and the other involves chemicals which, through a variety of mechanisms, disrupt thyroid function and produce thyroid gland neoplasia secondary to hormone imbalance. These secondary mechanisms predominantly involve effects on thyroid hormone synthesis or peripheral hormone disposition. There are important species differences in thyroid gland physiology between rodents and humans that may account for a marked species difference in the inherent susceptibility for neoplasia to hormone imbalance. Thyroid gland neoplasia, secondary to chemically induced hormone imbalance, is mediated by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in response to altered thyroid gland function. The effect of TSH on cell proliferation and other aspects of thyroid gland function is a receptor mediated process and the plasma membrane surface of the follicular cell has receptors for TSH and other growth factors. Small organic molecules are not known to be direct TSH receptor agonists or antagonists; however, various antibodies found in autoimmune disease such as Graves' disease can directly stimulate or inhibit the TSH receptor. Certain chemicals can modulate the TSH response for autoregulation of follicular cell function and thereby increase or decrease the response of the follicular cell to TSH. It is thus important to consider mechanisms for the evaluation of potential cancer risks. There would be little if any risk for non-genotoxic chemicals that act secondary to hormone imbalance at exposure levels that do not disrupt thyroid function. Furthermore, the degree of thyroid dysfunction produced by a chemical would present a significant toxicological problem before such exposure would increase the risk for neoplasia in humans.     

Role and regulation of the fibroblast growth factor axis in human thyroid follicular cells

Thyroidal levels of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) are elevated in human thyroid hyperplasia. To understand the significance of this, effects of FGFR1 activation on normal human thyrocyte growth and function in vitro and the regulation of FGF-2 and FGFR1 expression have been examined. FGF-2 stimulated cell growth, as measured by cell counting, and inhibited thyroid function as measured by 125I uptake. Sensitivity to FGF-2 disappeared after 7 days, although FGFR1 expression was maintained. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH, 300 mU/l) increased FGFR1 mRNA expression within 4 h and protein expression by 8 h. Exogenous FGF-2 decreased FGFR1 protein. Endogenous FGF-2 levels were low (approximately 1-2 pg/microg protein), and TSH treatment decreased these by 50%. Protein kinase C (PKC) activation increased FGF-2 mRNA and FGF-2 secretion within 2 h. This effect was enhanced (4.4-fold) when cells were cultured in TSH. We conclude that TSH stimulates FGFR1 but not FGF-2 expression. PKC activation stimulates FGF-2 synthesis and secretion, and TSH synergizes with PKC activators. Increases in FGFR1 or FGF-2 or in both may contribute to goitrogenesis.     

Functional roles of the bone morphogenetic protein system in thyrotropin signaling in porcine thyroid cells

We uncovered a new regulation of thyrocyte function by bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) under the influence of thyrotropin (TSH) using primary culture of porcine thyrocytes. The BMP type I receptors, ALK-2 (ActRIA), -3 (BMPRIA), and -6 (BMPRIB), were expressed in porcine thyrocytes, while ALK-6 was not detected in human thyroid. Treatment with BMP-2, -4, -6, -7, and TGF-beta1 exhibited a dose-dependent suppression of DNA synthesis by porcine thyrocytes. BMP-2, -4, -6, -7, and TGF-beta1 suppressed TSH receptor mRNA expression on thyrocytes, which was consistent with their suppressive effect on TSH-induced cAMP synthesis and TSH-induced insulin-like growth factor-1 expression. Activin exhibited minimal suppression of thyrocyte DNA synthesis and did not exhibit suppressive effects on TSH receptor mRNA expression. Phosphorylated Smad1/5/8 was detected in the lysates of porcine thyrocytes treated with BMP-2, -4, -6, and -7. However, in the presence of TSH, BMP-6 and -7 failed to activate Smad1/5/8 phosphorylation and 3TP-reporter activity, whereas BMP-2 and -4 maintained clear activation of the BMP signaling regardless of the presence of TSH. This diverged regulation of thyroid BMP system by TSH is most likely due to the reduction of ALK-6 expression caused by TSH. Thus, the thyroid BMP system is functionally linked to TSH actions through modulating TSH receptor expression and TSH, in turn, selectively inhibits BMP signaling. Given that BMP system is present in human thyroid and the expression pattern of ALK-2 and BMPRII is different between follicular adenomas and normal thyroid tissues, the endogenous BMP system may be involved in regulating thyrocyte growth and TSH sensitivity of human thyroid adenomas.     

Effect of thyrotropic hormone on the membrane potential of thyroid gland cells and thyroid hormone secretion with aging

Effect of thyrotropic hormone (TTH) on membrane potential (MP) of thyroid cells and thyroid hormone secretion was studied in experiments on male rats of two age groups (7--12- and 27--32-month-old animals). It was found that during the first 3 hours after TTH administration (5 U/100 g i. v.) the depolarization of secretory cell membranes of adult rats was done pronounced and developed more rapidly than in old ones and that an increase in free thyroxin (T4) correlation with MP changes with time. In a dose of 0.5 U/100 g TTH caused a significant rise in T4 secretion only in old rats. The cAMP level in the thyroid gland declined with aging. In a dose of 5 U/100 g TTH provoked a significant increase in the cAMP content in adult rats and had no effect on its content in old ones. A relationship between the MP level of thyroid secretory cells and thyroid hormone secretion is discussed.     

Effects of inorganic iodide, epidermal growth factor and phorbol ester on hormone synthesis by porcine thyroid follicles cultured in suspension.

Porcine thyroid follicles cultured in suspension for 96 h synthesized and secreted thyroid hormones in the presence of thyrotropin (TSH). The secretion of newly synthesized hormones was assessed by determining the contents of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) in the media and by paperchromatographic analysis of 125I-labelled hormones in the media where the follicles were cultured in the presence and absence of inhibitors of hormone synthesis. The hormone synthesis and secretion was modified by exogenously added NaI (0.1-100 microM). The maximal response was obtained at 1 microM. Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) activity in the cultured follicles with TSH for 96 h was dose-dependently inhibited by NaI. One hundred microM of NaI completely inhibited TSH-induced TPO activity. Moreover, both epidermal growth factor (EGF: 10(-9) and 10(-8) M) and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA: 10(-8) and 10(-7) M) inhibited de novo hormone synthesis. An induction of TPO activity by TSH was also inhibited by either agent. These data provide direct evidences that thyroid hormone synthesis is regulated by NaI as well as TSH at least in part via regulation of TPO activity and also that both EGF and PMA are inhibitory on thyroid hormone formation.     

Increased synthesis of prolactin and growth hormone during incubation in the pituitary of broody Nagoya hens

Synthesis and release rates of prolactin and growth hormone (GH) in the anterior pituitary of laying and incubating broody chickens (Nagoya breed) were determined by a disc electrophoretic technique after in vitro incubation of anterior pituitaries with a labeled amino acid. Prolactin synthesis and release were two-fold higher in incubating than in laying hens, resulting in twofold increase in the concentration of prolactin in the gland. GH synthesis was three-fold higher in incubating than in laying hens but GH release was not affected by the incubation. GH concentration in the pituitary gland also increased in incubating hens. It is suggested that these changes in hormone synthesis, release, and concentrations are related to nesting behaviour and nutritional condition of incubating hens.