Hyper and hypothyroidism change the expression and diurnal variation of thyroid hormone receptor isoforms in rat liver without major changes in their zonal distribution

Abstract

We investigated the effect of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism on mRNA and protein expression, diurnal variation and zonal distribution of thyroid hormone receptor (TR) isoforms TRα1, TRα2 and TRβ1 in rat liver. Hypothyroidism results in increased isoform mRNA and protein expression whereas hyperthyroidism shows a decreased TRα1 and TRα2 mRNA and protein expression. During hyperthyroidism no change is seen in TRβ1 mRNA, but TRβ1 protein is upregulated in the light period and downregulated in the dark period. Diurnal changes (measured at 13:30 and 19:30 h) in the TR isoform proteins are abolished in hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, with the exception of a reversal in diurnal changes of TRβ1 in hyperthyroidism. Zonal distribution of the isoforms is not affected by hypo- or hyperthyroidism. We therefore conclude that thyroid hormone influences both the levels and the diurnal expression of its receptor isoforms but not the zonal distribution.