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S Refetoff

Publications and source records attributed to S Refetoff.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources
PubMed1986

The role of glycosylation in the molecular conformation and secretion of thyroxine-binding globulin.

T4-binding globulin (TBG), the principal carrier of thyroid hormone in serum, is a glycoprotein containing 20% carbohydrate. The importance of the carbohydrate moiety has been previously studied by enzymatic deglycosylation, which showed that deglycosylated TBG retains its original immunological an T4-binding properties. However, the structure and properties of TBG before glycosylation and the steps involved in carbohydrate addition have not been explored. In the present report, we used a human hepatoma cell line (Hep G2) which synthesizes and secretes TBG into the medium. This TBG binds T4 and possesses immunoreactivity and microheterogeneity identical to those of native TBG (nTBG) from serum. Cells were pulsed with [35S]methionine, [3H]mannose, and [3H]glucosamine in the absence or presence of 5 micrograms tunicamycin/ml medium. Materials from cells and media were immunoprecipitated with antibodies specific for nTBG and denatured TBG molecule. They were then analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Cells incubated with [35S]methionine contained two forms of labeled TBG, with apparent mol wt of 60K (TBG1) and 54K (TBG2). Medium contained only the TBG1 form, which is identical to nTBG in serum. In contrast, in the presence of tunicamycin, the predominant intracellular form of TBG had an apparent mol wt of 44K (TBG3). At no time was this material detected in the medium. [3H]Mannose and [3H]glucosamine labeled both TBG1 and TBG2, but not TBG3. TBG1 and TBG2 reacted with anti-nTBG serum, whereas TBG3 reacted only with anti-dentured TBG serum, specific for the unfolded TBG molecule. Intracellular TBG was rich (80-90%) in high mannose (seven to nine mannose residues) oligosaccharides and was relatively poor (10-20%) in complex-type species, resistant to endoglycosidase H. These results indicate that 1) the precursor nonglycosylated 44K TBG3 is glycosylated to produce TBG2 (54K) and TBG1 (60K); 2) TBG2 contains oligosaccharides rich in mannose and appears to be a major intracellular intermediate in the synthesis of TBG1; 3) only the endoglycosidase H-resistant TBG1 is secreted; and 4) prior glycosylation of TBG appears to be required for the molecule to assume its tertiary structure and, ultimately, for its secretion. However, once the peptide chain is folded, removal of the carbohydrate moieties does not alter the tertiary structure.

Carbohydrate Conformation↗
PubMed1986

Isoelectric focusing variant thyroxine-binding globulin in American blacks: increased heat lability and reduced serum concentration.

Three major bands of T4-binding globulin (TBG) at pH 4.3-4.5 are seen after isoelectric focusing (IEF) of serum. Daiger et al. detected a cathodal shift of all IEF bands in some American blacks, and found that the inheritance of this variant TBG (TBG-S) is X-chromosome linked. However, the properties of the TBG-S molecule and its possible association with changes in thyroid function have not been studied. Based on IEF analysis of 114 serum samples from adult American blacks, the gene frequency of TBG-S was 12.0%, and the genotype distribution was consistent with X-chromosomal linkage. TBG-S and the common type TBG (TBG-C) co-occurred exclusively in sera from women, whereas sera from men had only TBG-C or TBG-S, confirming the X-linked inheritance of this variant TBG. At 60 C, TBG-S was denatured with a mean t1/2 of 4.7 +/- 0.9 (+/-SD) min compared to 6.8 +/- 1.1 min for TBG-C (P less than 0.001). Heterozygous females with TBG-CS had an intermediate rate of heat denaturation (t1/2, 5.2 +/- 0.7 min). In vitro mixtures of TBG-S and TBG-C also had intermediate t1/2 values, indicating that the heat lability of TBG-S is inherent to the variant TBG molecule. Heat denaturation resulted in loss of T4-binding activity, which was proportional among corresponding IEF bands for each of the two TBG types. Larger amounts of added T4 were required to protect against the heat-induced denaturation of TBG-S. No changes in the affinity of TBG-S for T4 could be demonstrated by analysis of binding kinetics at O C. Thyroid function tests were carried out in 10 black men with TBG-S and 10 age-matched black men with TBG-C. The mean concentration of total T4 (TT4) of 6.8 +/- 1.5 micrograms/dl in the group of TBG-S men was lower (P less than 0.02) than that in the group of TBG-C men (8.5 +/- 1.3 micrograms/dl). The finding of lower levels of TT4 in men with TBG-S was best explained on the basis of a concomitant reduction of serum TBG concentration (1.41 +/- 0.30 vs. 1.72 +/- 0.23 mg/dl; P less than 0.05). This conclusion was confirmed when no significant difference in mean TT4 concentration was found between the group with TBG-S and another with TBG-C matched by serum TBG concentration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Autoradiography↗
PubMed1986

Inherited heat-stable variant thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG-Chicago).

The five known types of inherited variant T4-binding globulin (TBG) have in common increased sensitivity to heat denaturation compared to the common type TBG (TBG-C). In the course of studies to screen for and characterize variant TBGs in population groups, we detected a unique TBG with marked resistance to heat denaturation. The propositus was a 22-year-old black man without personal or family history of thyroid disease. His native TBG (nTBG) in serum had a t1/2 of denaturation at 56 C of 90 min compared to a mean value of 6.8 +/- 1.1 (+/- SD) min for TBG-C. This variant TBG, termed TBG-Chicago, was also resistant to acid denaturation, but was indistinguishable from TBG-C in terms of immunoreactivity, microheterogeneity on isoelectric focusing, and affinity for T4. It had a single T4-binding site and a normal concentration in serum associated with iodothyronine levels within the normal range. The mode of inheritance of TBG-Chicago appears to be X-chromosome linked. The mother of the propositus was heterozygous; her serum contained approximately 40% TBG-Chicago and 60% of another variant TBG common in blacks, TBG-S. The father had TBG-C, a trait that was not transmitted to his son. The exact nature of this variant TBG is not known. It most likely represents a mutation in the polypeptide chain of the molecule with formation of stronger intramolecular bonds.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Reduced affinity for thyroxine in two of three structural thyroxine-binding prealbumin variants associated with familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy.

T4-binding prealbumin (TBPA), a protein synthesized by the liver, circulates as a tetramer and transports 15-20% of T4. We studied 3 variants of the TBPA monomer recently identified in serum and amyloid fibrils of patients affected by familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP). They represent single amino acid substitutions at positions 30 (type I), 60 (Appalachian), and 84 (type II). Tests of thyroid function and the apparent association constant (Ka) of T4 binding to TBPA were measured in whole serum from 14 carriers of FAP identified clinically, by amino acid sequence analysis, or by DNA restriction fragment analysis. Significant reduction of Ka was found in subjects with FAP types I and II, but not in subjects with the Appalachian type. Mean (+/- SD) values of 0.24 +/- 0.08 X 10(7) M-1 for type I and 0.26 +/- 0.10 X 10(7) M-1 for type II were significantly (P less than 0.0001) lower than those for normal relatives (1.39 +/- 0.30 X 10(7) M-1) or unrelated normal subjects (1.41 +/- 0.18 X 10(7) M-1). The mean Ka value for the five subjects with FAP of the Appalachian type was slightly but not significantly reduced (1.08 +/- 0.11 X 10(7) M-1). There was no overlap of individual Ka values of subjects with types I and II TBPA with those of subjects from all other groups. Abnormalities of thyroid function included slight but significant reductions of the mean total serum T4 concentration in the subjects with type II FAP and the mean serum total T3 concentration in those with type I FAP. Four subjects with FAP (two type II and two of the Appalachian type) had biochemical evidence of hypothyroidism. The three subjects with total serum T3 levels below the limit of normal had amyloid cardiomyopathy. These results indicate that TBPAs from subjects with FAP types I and II have relatively lower affinity for T4. Although none of the substituted amino acids in these variant TBPAs contribute directly to the surface of the putative T4-binding site, the side chains of amino acids 30 and 84, but not 60, interact with internal residues of the beta-structure which forms the presumed binding site, in agreement with our results of Ka measurements. The high incidence of hypothyroidism is due to the probably fortuitous occurrence of Hashimoto's thyroiditis as well as to partial destruction of the thyroid gland by amyloid deposits.

Amyloidosis↗
PubMed1986

Homogeneous apoenzyme reactivation immunoassay for thyroxin-binding globulin in serum.

In this automated apoenzyme reactivation immunoassay system (Ames Optimate) for thyroxin-binding globulin (TBG), the sample and N6-aminohexylflavin adenine dinucleotide-labeled TBG react sequentially with antiserum. Then apoglucose oxidase is added to combine with the free fraction and generate glucose oxidase activity, which is measured colorimetrically. The assay requires 100 microL of sample and covers the clinically significant range for TBG (less than 2.5 to 55 mg/L). The first result is obtained in 16 min; assay of 29 samples and their blanks is completed in less than 1 h. The lower limit of detection is about 2.5 mg/L. Between-assay CVs (n = 9) were less than 9%, within-assay CVs (n = 5) were less than 6%, and analytical recovery of TBG was 103-112%. Reagents are stable at 4 degrees C for at least five months. Results by this method for serum TBG (y) compared well with those determined by radioimmunoassay (x): y = 1.029x--0.352 (r = 0.990, n = 49, Syx = 1.165 mg/L). In addition, with 39 other sera the ratio of total thyroxin (by RIA) to TBG compared well with free thyroxin measured by equilibrium dialysis (r = 0.930) and the free thyroxin index (r = 0.970).

Apoenzymes↗
PubMed1985

Evidence for two subtypes of Cushing's disease based on the analysis of episodic cortisol secretion.

To investigate the pathogenetic mechanisms of Cushing's syndrome, we studied variations in plasma cortisol levels (episodic variations, or pulses) over 24 hours in 51 normal subjects, 14 patients with adrenal adenoma, and 46 patients with Cushing's disease. Data were obtained both from our patients and from the literature. As compared with normal subjects, patients with adrenal adenoma had fewer spikes in cortisol levels (defined as an elevation of at least 10 per cent and no less than 1 microgram per deciliter), and the spikes were lower both in absolute terms (4.0 +/- 1.8 vs. 5.1 +/- 2.2 micrograms per deciliter, P less than 0.05) and in terms of the percentage of the preceding trough concentration (23 +/- 7 vs. 123 +/- 74 per cent, P less than 0.001). Patients with Cushing's disease seemed to fall into two groups: those with hypopulsatile and those with hyperpulsatile secretion. The hypopulsatile group had a normal number and absolute height of spikes, but their height relative to the preceding trough concentration was lower than in controls (42 +/- 16 vs. 123 +/- 74 per cent, P less than 0.005). In contrast, the hyperpulsatile group had a similar number of spikes as the hypopulsatile group, but their absolute and relative heights were twice as great (12.7 +/- 2.3 vs. 6.0 +/- 1.6 micrograms per deciliter and 84 +/- 40 vs. 42 +/- 16 per cent, respectively; P less than 0.001 for both). We hypothesize that the Cushing's disease in the second group of patients may have been caused by increased hypothalamic release of, or pituitary responsiveness to, corticotropin-releasing factor, whereas that in the first group may represent pituitary oversecretion of corticotropin that is relatively independent of corticotropin-releasing factor.

Adenoma↗
PubMed1985

Variant thyroxine-binding globulin in serum of Australian aborigines: a comparison with familial TBG deficiency in Caucasians and American blacks.

About 40% of clinically euthyroid Australian Aborigines have low concentrations of total thyroxine (TT4) and triiodothyronine (TT3) in serum. While the finding of normal concentrations of serum thyrotropin (TSH) in such individuals is compatible with their eumetabolic state, the reason for the finding of a low free T4 index (FT4I) has been unclear. A genetic variant of T4-binding globulin (TBG) with reduced affinity for T4 has been suggested but decrease in the absolute concentration of TBG has also been reported. In this study, we measured various parameters of thyroid function in 20 serum samples from euthyroid Australian Aborigines selected for their low TT4 levels. Results were compared to those obtained in serum samples from Caucasians and American Blacks with inherited partial TBG deficiency, 15 of which were matched to the Aborigines by their TBG and 20 by their TT4 concentrations. Results were also compared with those from another group of 20 samples from Caucasians and American Blacks with normal TBG concentration, matched to the Aborigines by their serum TT4 concentration. TBG in serum from these Australian Aborigines was immunologically identical to that in Caucasians and American Blacks in terms of parallelism of serially diluted samples in the TBG radioimmunoassay (RIA).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Variant thyroxine-binding globulin in serum of Australian aborigines: its physical, chemical and biological properties.

Low serum total thyroxine (TT4) and triiodothyronine (TT3) is found in approximately 40% of Australian Aborigines. Studies were carried out to characterize the properties of thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) in these Australian Aborigines to explain the observed reduction of thyroid hormone concentration in their serum. TBG from Aborigines with low serum TT4 concentrations was compared to TBG from Aborigines with normal TT4 concentration and Caucasians and American Blacks with normal or reduced serum TBG levels due to familial partial TBG deficiency. TBG from Aborigines with low serum TT4 concentrations had a reduced affinity for thyroid hormone (Ka). The Ka for T4 was 54% and for T3 30% of the Ka values for TBG from Aborigines with normal TT4 concentration or non-Aborigines. Maximal binding values were in agreement with TBG measurements by RIA for Aborigines with low or normal serum TT4 and for non-Aborigines. An increase in the rate of heat denaturation of TBG at temperatures from 54 to 60 C was also observed in sera from Aborigines with low TT4. The heat lability was lowered by 2 C. The low concentration of TT4 in serum of these Aborigines could not explain this higher heat lability of TBG since only addition of greater than 80-fold the physiologic T4 concentration obliterated the difference of heat inactivation by denaturation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Direct application of radioiodinated aminoacyl tRNA for radiolabeling nascent proteins.

A two-step procedure to incorporate 125I-iodotyrosine into protein synthesized in a reticulocyte lysate is described. In the first step, the iodination of tyrosyl tRNA was catalyzed by a solid-state glycouril compound. More than one-third of 200 microCi of radioiodine became bound to 70 micrograms of aminoacyl tRNA after 15 min at 0 degrees C. The isotope was distributed in a three-to-one ratio of monoiodotyrosine to di-iodotyrosine. In the second step, the soluble product of the radioiodination was transferred directly into a nuclease-treated reticulocyte lysate coded with RNA isolated from the human hepatoma cell line Hep G2. Fractional recovery of radioiodine in nascent protein was maximally 7.6%. Reaction of the product of translation with antibody against alpha-antitrypsin separated an 125I-containing protein having a molecular weight estimated as 47,000. The synthesis of unprocessed alpha-antitrypsin was confirmed by cleavage of the labeled protein with leader peptidase and by its displacement from immunocomplex formation with purified alpha-antitrypsin. The amount of 125I incorporated into alpha-antitrypsin was proportionate to iodinated tRNA additions up to a concentration of 70 micrograms/ml. The synthesis of alpha-antitrypsin as detected in radioautograms after gel electrophoresis was more than twice as sensitive using radioiodinated aminoacyl tRNA as compared with [35S]methionine. Iodine labeling of thyroxine-binding globulin was also demonstrated in the translation product of Hep G2 RNA. Since the specific activity of the radioiodine is high and the means for detection of the isotope efficient, the method described can facilitate the demonstration of quantitatively minor translation products.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

X-chromosome-linked inheritance of the variant thyroxine-binding globulin in Australian aborigines.

The inheritance of quantitative changes in serum T4-binding globulin (TBG; reduced or elevated serum levels) and electrophoretic variants of TBG have been shown to be X-chromosome linked. However, it recently was suggested that another TBG variant, widely distributed in the Australian Aborigine population, may be inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. This communication deals with studies directed to the elucidation of the mode of inheritance of the Aboriginal variant TBG. By measuring the rate of denaturation of TBG at 56 C, we identified three distinct types of TBG in Australian Aborigines. One was a relatively heat-stable TBG (mean t1/2, 58.0 min; range, 68-53 min; group A), indistinguishable from TBG in caucasians (mean t1/2, 55.1; range, 67-43); another was a heat-labile TBG (mean t1/2, 20.8 min; range, 23.7-18.4 min; group C); and a third had intermediate values (mean t1/2, 35.7 min; range, 39.5-30.6 min; group B). Serum samples from the latter group belonged exclusively to women. Assuming that individuals from group A were homozygous for the caucasian type TBG (TBGCC), those from group C were homozygous for the Aboriginal variant of TBG (TBGAA), and individuals from group B were heterozygous (TBGCA), gene frequencies were calculated for the product of TBGC and TBGA, and the incidence of expected genotypes was compared to that observed. The results are compatible with X-chromosome, but not autosomal, inheritance, with a gene frequency of TBGC of 0.4118 and of TBGA of 0.5882. The ability to identify individuals who are heterozygous for the Aboriginal variant TBG confirmed that the structural gene of TBG in man is located on the X-chromosome.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Characterization of thyroxine-binding globulin secreted by a human hepatoma cell line.

T4-binding globulin (TBG) is a glycoprotein synthesized by the liver and is the principal carrier of T4 and T3 in serum. In this report, we demonstrate that the Hep G2 cell line, derived from a human hepatoblastoma, synthesizes and secretes TBG, the properties of which were characterized. Hep G2 cells secreted TBG into the medium after more than 100 transfers in tissue culture conditions. At confluency and after changing to serum-free culture conditions, TBG accumulation into the medium was linear for 3 days and constituted approximately 0.16% of the proteins synthesized over 24 h. Its abundance relative to albumin is 10-fold greater than that found in normal human serum. TBG secreted by the Hep G2 cells was indistinguishable from native normal human serum TBG, as determined immunologically, by electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gel in denaturing and nondenaturing conditions, and by isoelectric focusing. It also specifically bound T4 and T3, albeit with slightly reduced affinity, and had increased heat lability. Although slightly different from normal serum TBG in caucasians, the physical and biological properties of the Hep G2-derived TBG are similar to those of the variant TBG found in the serum of some healthy Australian Aborigines.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗
PubMed1985

The effect of dexamethasone on the 24-hour profiles of adrenocorticotropin and cortisol in Cushing's syndrome.

ACTH and cortisol are normally secreted episodically rather than continuously. This characteristic of episodic secretion is preserved in patients with Cushing's syndrome. To determine whether exogenous glucocorticoids modulate this pulsatility and to study its possible etiological implications, we obtained 24-h plasma cortisol profiles in seven patients with Cushing's syndrome (five Cushing's disease, one adrenal adenoma, and one bilateral adrenal cortical macronodular hyperplasia) before and during suppression with various doses of dexamethasone [low (0.5 mg, every 6 h), high (2 mg, every 6 h), and very high (4 mg, every 6 h)]. Simultaneous 24-h plasma ACTH profiles were obtained in two patients with Cushing's disease. Blood was drawn at 30-min intervals for 25 h. Individual profiles were analyzed to determine the 24-h mean level, the presence of a circadian component and its amplitude, and the number and magnitude of significant secretory pulses over the 24-h span. The concordance between significant ACTH and cortisol pulses also was quantified. Baseline values in patients were compared to those in seven normal subjects. Under basal conditions, the 24-h mean cortisol level was 3- to 4-fold higher than normal in all patients with Cushing's syndrome. In contrast, the basal 24-h mean ACTH level was normal in one, and slightly elevated in the other of the two patients with Cushing's disease in whom plasma ACTH concentrations were measured. However, in contrast to the normal subjects, all ACTH values were above 10 pg/ml even during the period of minimal secretion. Basal circadian variation in adrenocortical activity, albeit of reduced amplitude, was found in four of five patients with Cushing's disease; it was absent in the patient with adrenal adenoma. Low dose dexamethasone reduced the 24-h mean cortisol level and increased the amplitude of the circadian rhythm, unmasking a diurnal rhythm in the single patient with Cushing's disease in whom no significant circadian periodicity was present in the basal condition. This effect was further increased with the high dose of dexamethasone, which concomitantly reduced the number and increments of the secretory pulses. A lesser effect was found in the patient with bilateral nodular hyperplasia, and no effect was seen in the patient with adrenal adenoma. ACTH pulsatility, but not diurnal rhythm, also was dampened by dexamethasone. Reduction in the magnitude, but not the number, of ACTH secretory pulses by dexamethasone produced a reduced concordance ratio of ACTH with cortisol pulses of 0.39, compared to 0.64 in the basal state.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed1985

Measurement of thyroxine uptake from serum by cultured human hepatocytes as an index of thyroid status: reduced thyroxine uptake from serum of patients with nonthyroidal illness.

The uptake of T4 from human serum by cultured human hepatoma cells, Hep G2, was compared with the free T4 estimates by equilibrium dialysis (DT4) and a resin uptake method (FT4I). The cellular uptake of T4 (CT4) was highly correlated with DT4 values (r = 0.97; P less than 0.0005) and FT4I values (r = 0.99; P less than 0.0005) in sera from euthyroid subjects and hypothyroid and thyrotoxic patients. In patients with abnormal levels of serum T4-binding globulin, the fractional uptake of T4 decreased as the TBG level increased, and the CT4 value remained within the normal range. Addition of increasing amounts of T4 to serum from a hypothyroid patient did not alter the relationships between CT4 and FT4I and between CT4 and DT4. DT4 and CT4 measurements were compared in sera from 13 patients with severe nonthyroidal illness (NTI). Six samples had DT4 values that clearly overestimated the cellular uptake, 2 patients had DT4 values in the thyrotoxic range but normal CT4 values, and 2 patients had DT4 values in the midnormal range and CT4 values below normal. When FT4I and CT4 values were compared in 19 NTI patients, 5 had FT4I values below the normal range and normal CT4 values. Overall, among patients with NTI, FT4I was low in 11 (58%), normal in 8 (42%), and high in 0; CT4 was low in 6 (32%), normal in 13 (68%), and high in 0, and DT4 was low in 2 (15%), normal in 9 (69%), and high in 2 (15%). In patients with NTI, the results of in vitro estimations of free T4 do not always correlate with the transfer of T4 to tissues, as assessed by T4 uptake in human hepatoma cells. In patients with NTI, equilibrium dialysis may overestimate and resin uptake measurements may underestimate the amount of T4 taken up by tissues. In some patients with severe NTI, tissue uptake of T4 is reduced.

Cell Line↗
PubMed1984

Thyrotropin controls transcription of the thyroglobulin gene.

The availability of rat thyroglobulin cDNA clones was exploited to study the regulation of thyroglobulin gene transcription by thyrotropin (TSH). Groups of rats were subjected to treatments leading to reduction or increase in the rat serum TSH (rTSH) levels. Thyroid gland nuclei were isolated, incubated in vitro in the presence of 32P-labeled uridine triphosphate, and thyroglobulin transcripts were quantitated by hybridization to immobilized rat thyroglobulin cDNA clones. Transcription of the thyroglobulin gene was found to be very active in thyroid nuclei from control animals. It represented about 10% of total RNA polymerase II activity. Chronic hyperstimulation of the thyroid glands with endogenous rTSH was achieved in rats treated with the goitrogen propylthiouracil. No significant increase of thyroglobulin gene transcription could be measured in thyroid nuclei from these animals. On the contrary, a dramatic decrease in thyroglobulin gene transcription was observed in those animals in which endogenous rTSH levels had been suppressed by hypophysectomy or by the administration of triiodothyronine. Injection of exogenous bovine TSH in such animals readily restored transcriptional activity of the gene. Our results identify transcription as an important regulatory step involved in TSH action. They suggest that normal TSH levels induce close to maximal expression of the thyroglobulin gene but that continuous presence of TSH is required in order to maintain the gene in an activated state.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Reduced triiodothyronine content in liver but not pituitary of the uremic rat model: demonstration of changes compatible with thyroid hormone deficiency in liver only.

Intracellular thyroid hormone concentration and action were examined in the liver and the pituitary of a nephrectomized rat model (Nx); the results were compared with those obtained from control (C), thyroidectomized (Tx), and nephrectomized-thyroidectomized (NxTx) littermates. Based on the severity of the uremia, Nx rats were subdivided into Nx1 and Nx2 groups; the former included rats with serum urea nitrogen of less than 100 mg/dl and the latter rats with serum urea nitrogen greater than 100 mg/dl. A group of rats pair-fed to the Nx rats was also included (PF). In the liver, nuclear T3 content (picograms per g liver) and T3-receptor binding capacity (Cmax, picograms T3 per mg DNA) were measured. The respective results from all groups of rats were as follows (asterisks denote values differing from C with a P value less than 0.05): C, 308 +/- (SE) 45 and 121 +/- 11; Nx1, 245 +/- 43 and 85 +/- 15; Nx2, 163 +/- 19 and 74 +/- 7; Tx, 43 +/- 11 and 91 +/- 10; NxTx, 33 +/- 10 and 54 +/- 6; and PF, 237 +/- 20 and 121 +/- 9. T3 receptor binding affinity (Ka), ranging from 3.62-5.28 X 10(9) M-1, was not significantly different among the six groups of rats. In the pituitary, T3 content (picograms per mg pituitary) was reduced only in the Tx rats, being 3.13 +/- 0.89 as compared to 7.04 +/- 1.48 in the C rats (P less than 0.05). In the Nx1, Nx2, and PF rats, pituitary T3 contents were 9.81 +/- 3.22, 13.01 +/- 3.60, and 7.83 +/- 1.08, respectively, and were not different from the C rats. Serum TSH was reciprocally elevated only in the Tx rats. The reduction in hepatic nuclear T3 content and T3-Cmax in the Nx2 rats is consistent with the presence of selective tissue deficiency of thyroid hormone. This is in agreement with the observation of reduced activity of two liver enzymes known to be under thyroid hormone regulation. The pituitary, however, had normal T3 content, suggesting a dissociation in thyroid hormone-dependent metabolic status between a peripheral tissue (liver) and the pituitary. This explains the failure to observe an increase in the serum TSH level, a manifestation of reduced intracellular rather than serum T3 concentration. Decreased food intake appeared not to be the cause of thyroid hormone abnormalities observed in uremia, as PF rats failed to manifest the changes found in Nx rats.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Radioimmunoassays specific for the tertiary and primary structures of thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG): measurement of denatured TBG in serum.

Antisera prepared by immunization of rabbits with human T4-binding globulin (TBG) contained two populations of antibodies: one directed against determinants of the native molecule, and the other directed against antigenic sites present only in denatured TBG. These two populations of antibodies were present in all nine antisera prepared in this or other laboratories that were tested. Exploiting this property of anti-TBG sera and using radioiodinated denatured TBG as a tracer, a RIA was developed which measures specifically denatured TBG in the presence of native TBG. The RIA for measuring denatured TBG used purified native TBG, which was denatured by reduction and pyridylethylation (RP-TBG) before labeling with 125I. Native TBG was measured using the same antiserum, but the 125I-labeled tracer was unmodified TBG. The sensitivity of the native TBG RIA was 0.25 ng purified native TBG. Equivalent amounts of native TBG in serum, desialylated TBG, and deglycosylated TBG produced superimposeable standard curves. The cross-reactivity with RP-TBG was less than 0.02%. The denatured TBG RIA had a sensitivity of 1 ng, and superimposeable curves were produced with equivalent concentrations of RP-TBG and heat-denatured native TBG. The cross-reactivity of 0.8% with native and deglycosylated TBG was, at least in part, due to denatured TBG in the purified preparations. The specificity of the two RIAs is due to the existence of distinct and exclusive antigenic determinants in native TBG and denatured TBG which are probably located on the surface of the tertiary structure and internally at the primary structure of the molecule, respectively. Heat and acid pH treatments of serum produced a progressive loss in immunoreactive native TBG, proportional to the loss of T4-binding capacity. A reciprocal and quantitative increase in denatured TBG, as measured in the denatured TBG RIA, was found. T4 partially protected the native TBG from denaturation. Denatured TBG was detected in sera from normal adults. The mean value was 6.05 +/- 2.25 (+/- SD) micrograms/dl (n = 11). Similar values were found in 8 pregnant women, 5 men with familial partial TBG deficiency, and 15 hypothyroid 7 hepatic, and 8 renal failure patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1983

The value of serum thyroglobulin measurement in clinical practice.

Thyroglobulin (TG) is a normal constituent of serum detectable by radioimmunoassay in 75% to 90% of healthy adults. Levels are altered in a number of physiological and pathological conditions. Although the indications for serum TG measurements have not been clearly established, it is simple, inexpensive, and presents no risk of radiation exposure. Problems include variable sensitivity and reproducibility of assays, interference by TG autoantibodies, and changes induced by certain diagnostic or therapeutic interventions. Serum TG measurements is primarily used as a tumor marker in thyroid carcinoma. Values are almost invariably high with disseminated metastases. After total ablation of thyroid tissue, serum TG determination is useful in separating patients in remission from those with residual metastatic disease. Serial measurements in the same patients are useful in monitoring the effect of treatment of nonfunctioning thyroid metastases. It is of no proved value in the initial diagnosis of thyroid carcinoma. Controversy still exists regarding the advantages of measuring TG during hormonal therapy. The assay may aid in the diagnosis of thyrotoxicosis factitia, painless subacute thyroiditis, and neonatal hypothyroidism.

Adult↗