Functioning Rat Thyroid Cells Research Articles

Inhibitory effect of thyrotropic hormone on apoptosis induced by actinomycin D in a functioning rat thyroid cell line.

Apoptosis appears to play important roles in physiological and pathological processes in the endocrine system including the thyroid, but little is known about the regulation of apoptosis in the thyroid. The functioning rat thyroid cell line (FRTL-5), a cloned cell line of differentiated thyroid cells, hardly undergoes apoptosis. In this study we examined the factors which prevent FRTL-5 cells from undergoing apoptosis. After culturing FRTL-5 cells in medium with and without TSH, actinomycin D (AMD) or cycloheximide (CHX) was added. CHX did not induce apoptosis. AMD induced apoptosis in FRTL-5 cells cultured in medium lacking TSH, as confirmed by the presence of DNA fragmentation, together with nuclear fragmentation and condensation, but AMD did not induce apoptosis in FRTL-5 cells cultured in the presence of TSH. Furthermore, the fact that AMD did not induce apoptosis in FRTL-5 cells cultured with dibutyryl cyclic AMP (Bt2cAMP), or forskolin suggests that TSH has an inhibitory effect on apoptosis in FRTL-5 cells via the TSH-cAMP pathway.

Thyroid cell proliferation-inhibiting activity in serum of patients with chronic renal failure on hemodialysis.

To investigate the possible humoral factor(s) influencing thyroid cell activity in chronic renal failure, we measured serum activity which stimulates or inhibits the [3H]thymidine incorporation by using a cultured functioning rat thyroid cell line (FRTL-5 cells) in 17 patients on hemodialysis and 19 healthy controls. Polyethylene glycol-treated serum was centrifuged and FRTL-5 cells were cultured with the supernatant. Thyroid stimulating activity was determined by [3H]thymidine incorporation after incubation for 72 h. There was no significant difference in [3H]thymidine incorporation between cultures incubated with patient and normal serum, suggesting the absence of the stimulating activity. But when patient serum was added to cultures together with 20 or 50 microU/ml of TSH, the TSH-stimulated increase in [3H]thymidine incorporation was significantly decreased, indicating the presence of thyroid inhibiting activity, which possibly inhibits the thyroid cell growth. This activity was not significantly altered by hemodialysis. No significant correlation was observed between this activity and serum levels of thyroid hormones or the iodine concentration. Patients on hemodialysis therefore have serum thyroid inhibiting activity which is nondialysable, differs from iodine, and could influence the thyroid cell growth.

Effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta, and interleukin-6 on type I iodothyronine 5'-deiodination in rat thyroid cell line, FRTL-5.

Using a functioning rat thyroid cell line (FRTL-5), we studied the effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) on thyroidal type I iodothyronine 5'-deiodination (I-5'-deiodination) and on the expression of I-5'-deiodinase (I-5'-D) mRNA. After 24 h incubation in medium containing 0.5 microM rT3 with a tracer amount of [125I]rT3, radioactivity of released 125I- was counted. Deiodination in live FRTL-5 cells was enhanced about three times from the basal level by the addition of TSH and was inhibited markedly by propylthiouracil and dose dependently by T4. These results suggest the suitability of this model for investigating I-5'-deiodination in live thyroid tissue. Basal and TSH-induced I-5'-deiodination were significantly inhibited by 100 ng/liter of IL-1 beta and IL-6, and the inhibitory effect of TNF-alpha was seen over 1 microgram/liter. I-5'-deiodination was restored by removal of the cytokines. TSH-induced cAMP production and (Bu)2cAMP-induced I-5'-deiodination were also inhibited by the cytokines. Catalase, dexamethasone, and indomethacin did not abolish the inhibitory effects of the cytokines. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) revealed a marked suppression of I-5'-D mRNA expression by IL-1 beta and IL-6. We conclude that these cytokines inhibit the thyroidal type I I-5'-deiodination in the order of potency IL-1 beta > IL-6 >> TNF-alpha, probably by decreasing the I-5'-D mRNA level.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cycloheximide Inhibits Interferon-γ-Induced Class II Major Histocompatibility Complex Antigen Expression in Cultured Rat Thyroid Cells

The effects of the agents that are related to intracellular events on interferon-gamma-induced class II major histocompatibility complex antigen expression were studied using the technique of immunocytochemistry. Rat class II major histocompatibility complex antigen (RT1.B) was expressed in 88.3 +/- 3.3% (n = 3) of the functioning rat thyroid cells (FRTL-5) cultured in a medium containing 100 U/ml recombinant rat interferon-gamma (IFN gamma). Deprivation of bovine TSH had no effect on the expression of RT1.B antigen by IFN gamma. A23187 (1 nM to 2 microM) and/or 10 nM to 10 microM phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate did not induce the expression of RT1.B antigen. IFN gamma-induced RT1.B expression was not inhibited by either 10 nM to 100 microM 1-(5-isoquinolysulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine or 200 nM to 200 microM 8-(N,N-dimethylamino)octyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate hydrochloride. It was also not inhibited by either 5-200 microM verapamil or 500 nM to 20 microM trifluoperazine. However, 0.01-10 micrograms/ml cycloheximide inhibited IFN gamma-induced RT1.B antigen expression in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that IFN gamma induces RT1.B antigen expression in FRTL-5 cells via de novo protein synthesis independent of the cAMP system, phosphatidylinositide system, and voltage-dependent calcium channel.

Characterization of α1-adrenergic receptor subtypes linked to iodide efflux in rat FRTL cells

We have characterized alpha 1-adrenergic receptor subtypes in functional rat thyroid cells, FRTL, with relation to iodide efflux, and have also examined the effect of TSH on alpha 1 receptor subtypes. FRTL cells grown in a medium containing 5 mU TSH/ml (6H cells) had five times the number of alpha 1 receptors of those maintained in TSH-free medium (5H cells) (11.2 fmol/10(6) cells compared with 2.0 fmol/10(6) cells). Pretreatment with chlorethylclonidine (CEC; 10 mumols/l), which inactivates only alpha 1b receptors, caused 98.8% and 97.0% decreases in the density of specific [3H]prazosin-binding sites in 5H and 6H cells respectively. LIGAND computer program analysis of the displacement curves for 2-(2,6-dimethoxyphenoxyethyl)-aminomethyl-1,4 benzodioxane (WB4101) showed that FRTL cells contained mostly low-affinity WB4101 sites. Using the phenoxybenzamine inactivation method, we found a linear relationship between alpha 1 receptor density and the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration response in FRTL cells. Pre-exposure of intact FRTL cells to CEC caused a 98.7% decrease in noradrenaline-stimulated maximal increase in cytosolic free Ca2+. Also, CEC and 3,4,5-trimethoxy-benzoic acid 8-(diethylamino) octyl ester (TMB-8), but not nicardipine, inhibited noradrenaline-stimulated iodine efflux. The results suggest that FRTL cells contain mostly the alpha 1b-adrenergic receptor subtype; that the alpha 1b receptors mediate cytosolic free Ca2+ and iodide efflux responses, and that TSH enhances these responses by increasing the alpha 1b receptor density without affecting the post-receptor mechanism.

Inhibitory Effect of IL-1 on the TSH Dependent Growth of Rat Thyroid Cells (FRTL-5).

Using a functioning rat thyroid cell line (FRTL-5), we examined the effects of some cytokines, particularly interleukin-1 (IL-1) on the growth of thyroid cells. In 5H medium, namely Coon's modified Ham's F-12 medium supplemented with 5% calf serum and a five-hormone preparation consisting of insulin, hydrocortisone, transferrin, glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine acetate and somatostatin, IL-1 enhanced the growth of FRTL-5 cells detected by [3H]TdR incorporation. However, in 6H medium (5H medium plus bovine TSH), IL-1 inhibited the growth of FRTL-5 cells. Both effects were neutralized by the addition of anti-IL-1 antibody. Furthermore, IL-1 inhibited the growth of FRTL-5 cells induced by forskolin which is known as an adenylate cyclase activator. FRTL-5 cells have specific IL-1 receptors detected by the binding of 125I-labeled IL-1 alpha. By Scatchard plot analysis, the numbers and the dissociation constants of IL-1 receptors on FRTL-5 cells were shown to be 5225/cell and 8.69 x 10(-10) M. Interleukin-2, interleukin-6 and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) had no significant effects on the cell growth in 6H medium, while IFN-gamma and insulin-like growth factor I stimulated cell growth somewhat in 5H medium. These results suggest that IL-1 plays a regulatory role in the growth of thyroid cells through binding to the IL-1 receptors.

Influence of Cytokines on Growth and Differentiated Function of FRTL5 Cells*

A functioning rat thyroid cell line (FRTL5) was used to study interactions of TSH with interferon-gamma (IFN gamma) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha). We examined effects on growth and differentiated function. Growth was assessed by DNA, incorporation of [3H]thymidine ([3H]Tdr) into DNA, and cell number; uptake of 125I (I- uptake) and the concentration of cAMP were measured simultaneously with growth assessment. IFN gamma stimulated the 30-min I- uptake and enhanced the effect of TSH. TNF alpha had minimal effects on growth indices (slight increase in [3H]Tdr incorporation) and had no influence on I- uptake; it inhibited TSH stimulation of both growth and I- uptake. When combined, IFN gamma and TNF alpha synergized in inhibiting TSH-stimulated growth. By itself TNF alpha inhibited stimulation of I- uptake by TSH, but augmented the enhancement seen with IFN gamma. The influence of calf serum (CS) was to increase the rate of incorporation of [3H]Tdr, but a similar qualitative pattern for the actions of the cytokines remained. A reverse profile (stimulation by IFN gamma, inhibition by TNF alpha, and stimulation by the combination) was seen for I- uptake, with CS increasingly diminishing all values. TSH stimulation of growth was progressively effective with increments of CS in the medium, but consistently there was inhibition that was greater with IFN gamma than with TNF alpha and was almost total with the combined cytokines. Stimulation of I- uptake by TSH was enhanced by IFN gamma, reduced by TNF alpha, and, when serum was present, increased to a degree that was greater than additive by the combined cytokines. Growth stimulation by insulin or insulin-like growth factor-I was inhibited partially by the individual cytokines and completely by the combination. Both insulin and insulin-like growth factor-I inhibited TSH stimulation of I- uptake, but similar stimulation by the cytokines was not affected. Simultaneous with inhibition of TSH-stimulated growth, both IFN gamma and TNF alpha enhanced cAMP accumulation. The mechanism of these multiple effects of IFN gamma and TNF alpha, especially on the actions of TSH, may not currently be fully explained, but they almost certainly reflect differing modes of action. The relevance to thyroid function in man is conjectural. Especially in Graves' disease, where thyroid infiltration with cells that secrete these cytokines is common, it seems probable that both IFN gamma and TNF alpha will have significant influences on both growth and differentiated cell function.

Expression of the thyroid sodium/iodide symporter in Xenopus laevis oocytes

Poly(A+) RNA isolated from FRTL-5 cells (a continuous line of cultured and fully functional rat thyroid cells (Ambesi-Impiombato, F. S., Parks, L. A. M., and Coons, H. G. (1980) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 77, 3455-3459] was injected into Xenopus laevis oocytes, and the expression of the Na+/I- symporter in the plasma membrane was assayed by measuring the Na+-dependent ClO4--sensitive uptake of 125I. Expression of the Na+/I- symporter was detected as a 7-fold average increase in transport over background, 5-6 days after injection. Poly(A+) RNA was subsequently fractionated by sucrose gradient centrifugation, and fractions were assayed for their ability to induce I- transport activity. The poly(A+) RNA encoding the Na+/I- symporter was found in a fraction containing messages of 2.8-4.0 kilobases in length.

Effects of γ-interferon and tumor necrosis factor α on thyroid cells: induction of class II antigen and inhibition of growth stimulation

A functioning rat thyroid cell line (FRTL5) was used to study interactions of thyrotropin (TSH) and various cytokines on expression of class I and II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens and on growth stimulation. Only γ-interferon (γ-IFN) affected MHC antigen expression, i.e., to enhance class I. that was constitutive, and to induce class II. A concomitant, but probably not directly related, effect of γ-IFN was to diminish growth stimulation, as effected by TSH and other activators of adenylate cyclase and measured by DNA increase and enhanced incorporation of [ 3H]thymidine into DNA. Stimulation of growth by tetradecanoylphorbol ester was also decreased by γ-IFN. These effects of γ-IFN were mimicked to some degree by tumor necrosis factor but there was major synergism between the two cytokines. Enhanced accumulation of cAMP by TSH and other agents was not diminished in these experiments. Flow cytometry analysis showed that inhibition of growth stimulation involved blocking of the passage of cells from the g 0 1 phase to the S phase. The data may have relevance to goiter size in autoimmune thyroid disease.

Lack of circulating thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins in cats with hyperthyroidism

Although feline hyperthyroidism has become a commonly diagnosed disorder of older cats, the underlying etiology remains unknown. Pathological findings of adenomatous hyperplasia involving both thyroid lobes in most hyperthyroid cats suggests the possibility that feline hyperthyroidism may be similar to human Graves' disease, which results from high circulating levels of thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs). To exclude high circulating levels of TSIs as the cause of feline hyperthyroidism, we measured intracellular concentrations of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in functioning rat thyroid cells (FRTL-5) incubated with IgG extracted from hyperthyroid cat serum. Since TSIs stimulate thyroid hormone secretion through activation of cAMP, their presence can be evidenced in vitro by generation of high cAMP concentrations in cultured thyroid cells. No significant difference was found in intracellular cAMP concentrations in FRTL-5 cells incubated with IgG from normal versus hyperthyroid cats. In contrast, IgG from a human patient with Graves' disease caused substantially more cAMP generation than either normal human IgG or IgG from the cats of this study. These results indicate that feline hyperthyroidism does not result from high circulating concentrations of TSI and, in that respect, is not analogous to Graves' disease.

Thyrotropin regulation of membrane lipid fluidity in the FRTL-5 thyroid cell line. Its relationship to cell growth and functional activity.

The mitogenic effect of thyrotropin on functional rat thyroid cells of the line FRTL-5 is correlated with membrane lipid fluidity as evaluated by fluorescence polarization of 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene. Continued exposure of FRTL-5 cells to a medium lacking thyrotropin causes cessation of cell proliferation and a decrease in membrane lipid fluidity which reaches its minimum in approximately 8 days. The change in lipid fluidity is due to an absolute increase (greater than 2-fold) of membrane cholesterol, with an increased cholesterol/phospholipid ratio and an increased ratio of saturated to unsaturated fatty acids of the membrane phospholipids, contributed primarily by a nearly 4-fold increase in the ratio of saturated to unsaturated C16 fatty acids. It is also associated with a variation of the relative proportions of the major membrane phospholipids; thus, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylethanolamine decrease while phosphatidylcholine increases. Both membrane fluidity and lipid composition can be restored by thyrotropin to their original levels, i.e. levels measured under continuous exposure to the hormone. Complete reversal requires at least 48 h, i.e. approximately the same time required for resumption of growth when FRTL-5 cells, starved in thyrotropin, are re-exposed to the hormone. Changes in lipid composition and fluidity can be prevented or can be reversed if FRTL-5 cells are exposed to dibutyryl cAMP while being deprived of thyrotropin. Dibutyryl cAMP has only a modest direct effect on growth; however, this pretreatment eliminates the 48-h lag phase with respect to thyrotropin stimulation. It is proposed that the effects of thyrotropin on growth of FRTL-5 cells requires a modification of the molecular structure and the physical state of cell membranes, which can be mediated by cAMP, although cAMP is not sufficient by itself to promote growth.

Evidence that Adenosine 3′,5′-Monophosphate Mediates Stimulation of Thyroid Growth in FRTL5Cells*

Thyroid function, including growth, is TSH dependent, and most metabolic functions of TSH are thought to be mediated by cAMP. Recently, it has been suggested by several groups that growth may be an exception and that it may not be related to cAMP action. In addition, evidence has accrued indicating that the thyroid-stimulating antibody (TSAb) of Graves' disease, the metabolic actions of which are also cAMP mediated, may not be the goitrogenic agent in that syndrome. To evaluate these concepts, we used functioning rat thyroid cells (FRTL5) in monolayer culture and, as indices of growth, the incorporation of [3H]thymidine ([3H]Tdr) into DNA, the concentration of DNA measured directly, and the percentage of cells in S phase, as assessed by flow cytometry, all studied over 72 h of incubation. TSH, forskolin, and cholera toxin enhanced growth by each criterion and increased the concentration of cAMP in parallel; the effect on cAMP occurred rapidly and was maximal well in advance of influences on growth. In all instances, measures of growth promotion were minimal at 24 h and maximal at 48 h, except for [3H]Tdr incorporation, which was greater at 72 h than at 48 h. 3-Isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) and (Bu)2 cAMP were also tested. Both enhanced all indices of growth and were as effective as TSH. Maximal responses to TSH were obtained at 100-200 microU/ml, maximal responses to both IBMX and (Bu)2cAMP occurred at 5 X 10(-4) M, and all three stimulators increased the DNA concentration and [3H]Tdr uptake and induced S phase in at least 20% of all cells in culture. The peak effect on DNA and S phase was consistently at 48 h. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) was shown to increase [3H]Tdr incorporation in a nondose-dependent fashion (10(-10) to 5 X 10(-9) M gave approximately 250% of control) over 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 days, with no increase in DNA and a slight decrement in the concentration of cAMP. A laboratory standard TSAb-immunoglobulin G was shown to parallel TSH in both increasing cAMP (over 2 h of incubation) and growth stimulation (over 72 h). The data are entirely consistent with the view that TSH-stimulated thyroid growth is mediated by cAMP and that the established action of TSAb on adenylate cyclase is sufficient to explain goiter as well as hyperthyroidism in Graves' disease.

Thyrotropin and norepinephrine stimulate the metabolism of phosphoinositides in FRTL-5 thyroid cells

Hormone-induced changes in phospholipid metabolism were examined in a functioning rat thyroid cell line (FRTL-5). Stimulation of FRTL-5 cells, prelabeled with 32P, with TSH or NE resulted in a rapid decrease in the radioactivity of both phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP 2) and phosphatidylinositol 4-mono-phosphate (PIP). The effects of TSH on phospholipid metabolism and calcium mobilization are independent of those on adenylate cyclase. This suggests that the TSH receptor may be unique in that it activates enzyme cascades involved in cAMP production and Ca 2+ mobilization.

Topography, purification and characterization of thyroidal NAD+ glycohydrolase.

Subcellular fractionation of bovine thyroid tissue by differential pelleting and isopycnic gradient centrifugation in a zonal rotor indicated that NAD(+) glycohydrolase is predominantly located and rather uniformly distributed in the plasma membrane. Comparison of NAD(+) glycohydrolase activities of intact thyroid tissue slices, functional rat thyroid cells in culture (FRT(l)) and their respective homogenates indicated that most if not all of the enzyme (catalytic site) is accessible to extracellular NAD(+). The reaction product nicotinamide was predominantly recovered from the extracellular medium. The diazonium salt of sulphanilic acid, not penetrating into intact cells, was able to decrease the activity of intact thyroid tissue slices to the same extent as in the homogenate. Under the same conditions this reagent almost completely abolished NAD(+) glycohydrolase activity associated with intact thyroid cells in culture. The triazine dye Cibacron Blue F3GA and its high-M(r) derivative Blue Dextran respectively completely eliminated or caused a severe depression in the NAD(+) glycohydrolase activity of FRT(l) cells. The enzyme could be readily solubilized from bovine thyroid membranes by detergent extraction, and was further purified by gel filtration and affinity chromatography on Blue Sepharose CL-6B. The overall procedure resulted in a 1940-fold purification (specific activity 77.6mumol of nicotinamide released/h per mg). The purified enzyme displays a K(m) of 0.40mm for beta-NAD(+), a broad pH optimum around pH7.2 (0.1 m-potassium phosphate buffer) and an apparent M(r) of 120000. Nicotinamide is an inhibitor (K(i) 1.9mm) of the non-competitive type. The second reaction product ADP-ribose acts as a competitive inhibitor (K(i) 2.7mm). The purified enzyme splits beta-NAD(+), beta-NADP(+), beta-NADH and alpha-NAD(+) at rates in the relative proportions 1:0.75:<0.02:<0.02 and exhibits transglycosidase (pyridine-base exchange) activity. Anionic phospholipids such as phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylserine inhibit the partially purified enzyme. A stimulating effect was observed upon the addition of histones.

Effect of thyrotropin on iodide efflux in FRTL-5 cells mediated by Ca2+.

A functioning rat thyroid cell line (FRTL-5) responds acutely to the addition of TSH, norepinephrine, and the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 by a depression in iodide (I-) uptake levels. The decrease in I- content measured at the steady state depends on the presence of external Ca2+ and can be accounted for by an effect on stimulated I- efflux. As contrasted to the prolonged time (hours and days) involved in the stimulatory effect of TSH on I- uptake, the acute response to TSH is 1) seen within 5 min and maintained for about 20 min, 2) maximum, at a 1 X 10(-7)M concentration of TSH compared with the concentration of 1 X 10(-9)M necessary for the stimulatory effect, 3) independent of whether the cells are growing in the presence or absence of TSH, and 4) not mimicked by the addition of (Bu)2cAMP. The results suggest that TSH and adrenergic stimulation lead to increased membrane permeability to I- which is mediated by an elevation in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration.

Iodide transport in a continuous line of cultured cells from rat thyroid.

The properties of TSH-dependent iodide (I-) uptake are defined for a cloned, continuously growing, functioning rat thyroid cell line (FRTL-5 cells). Since these cells grow without a lumen and are therefore restricted in their ability to iodinate thyroglobulin, the FRTL-5 cells offer the opportunity to directly study transport processes across the membrane into the cell as well as the process whereby I- moves from the cell. FRTL-5 cells concentrate I- approximately 30-fold and exhibit many of the properties of I- uptake seen in thyroid tissue slice and primary cell culture systems. In these cells, accumulation of I- is consistent with a Na+-dependent carrier model for I- uptake, and effects on the influx and efflux processes can be dissociated. Because FRTL-5 cells can be maintained in culture indefinitely and can provide large quantities of a homogeneous functional thyroid cell preparation for study, these cells offer the unique opportunity to further define the mechanism and kinetics of I- transport in a less complex system.

Thyrotropin-stimulated iodide transport mediated by adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate and dependent on protein synthesis.

Iodide (I-) uptake by FRTL-5 cells, a functioning rat thyroid cell line, is TSH dependent. The effects of TSH withdrawal are not apparent until 1 day; 1 week is required to reduce I- uptake to a minimal level. The readdition of TSH leads to a return of the I--concentrating ability after a latency of 12-24 h. The reappearance of I- uptake induced by TSH is mimicked by (Bu)2cAMP and agents that elevate intracellular cAMP levels in these cells, such as forskolin, cholera toxin, and a Graves' disease serum. The appearance of I- uptake after TSH occurs 12 h after the appearance of TSH-induced [35S]methionine incorporation. Cycloheximide blocks both the TSH- and (Bu)2cAMP-induced increases in methionine incorporation and I- uptake to the same extent and in an identical concentration-dependent manner. TSH-induced [35S]methionine incorporation is associated with increased radiolabeling of several specific proteins, as revealed by gel electrophoresis; none, however, is radiolabeled coincident in time with the appearance of TSH-induced I- uptake. Several proteins whose apparent synthesis is induced by TSH also exhibit TSH-dependent phosphorylation.

Characterization of the optimal stimulatory effects of graves' monoclonal and serum immunoglobulin G on adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate production in fRTL-5 thyroid cells: a potential clinical assay.

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) preparations derived from the sera of patients with hyperthyroidism due to Graves' disease (TSAb) as well as a monoclonal IgG derived from heterohybridoma fusions of Graves' lymphocytes augmented cAMP levels in a continuous strain of functioning rat thyroid cells (clone FRTL-5) in culture. Optimal stimulation was the same for both types of IgG preparations when measured after 2 h of incubation with 5 X 10(4) cells/well and using cells maintained in a nongrowth, TSH-deficient medium for 7 days. At low IgG concentrations, the stimulatory activities of both preparations exhibited a linear dependence on concentration and similar Ka values (approximately 4 X 10(-8) M) despite the fact that 65% of the Graves' serum IgG preparations had a significantly better ability to inhibit TSH binding to membrane preparations. The Ka value for TSH in the same assay was about 5 X 10(-12) M. Using this cell assay, 90% of a series of hyperthyroid Graves' IgG preparations exhibited stimulating activity, a value comparable to the frequency of positive results found by ourselves and others using human thyroid cell and slice systems. In contrast, only 10% of patients who were euthyroid 1 yr after antithyroid drug withdrawal (n = 21) exhibited stimulating activity, and no stimulating activity was detected in patients with nontoxic nodular goiter (n = 11), toxic adenoma (n = 5), or thyroid carcinoma (n = 6). The studies suggest that an optimized rat FRTL-5 thyroid cell system is a clinically useful and convenient alternative to human thyroid cell and slice systems for detecting TSAbs.

The relationship of growth and adenylate cyclase activity in cultured thyroid cells: separate bioeffects of thyrotropin.

Using a clonal line of TSH-dependent functional rat thyroid cells, the effects of TSH on cAMP production and cell growth, as measured by cell number and [14C]thymidine incorporation, were compared. The withdrawal of TSH from the medium stopped the growth of cells, as measured by cell number. After 24 h in TSH-free medium, an acute challenge with 1 × 10-11 M pure TSH caused a 40-fold increase in the cAMP level; this response increased to greater than 80-fold as TSH withdrawal from the culture system was prolonged over 10 days. In contrast to these acute effects on cAMP levels, an increase in [14C]thymidine incorporation required 20-fold higher TSH concentrations and waned to an unresponsive level after 10 days of TSH withdrawal. After withdrawal of TSH from the medium for 10 days, readdition of TSH could return cell growth to normal rates only after a 2-day lag period. In terms of the lag, the TSH effect on cell number was paralleled by its effect on thymidine incorporation, not cAMP levels; (Bu)2-cAMP at ...

Thyroid membrane ADP ribosyltransferase activity. Stimulation by thyrotropin and activity in functioning and nonfunctioning rat thyroid cells in culture.

Bovine thyroid membranes possess both ADP ribosyltransferase and NAD glycohydrolase activities with the same Km values for NAD and the same pH optima. In intact membranes, the ADP ribosyltransferase is limited in its extent by the amount of available membrane acceptor which can be ADP-ribosylated; in membranes solubilized with lithium diiodosalicylate, an artificial acceptor, L-arginine methyl ester, can be substituted to eliminate this limitation. The product of the ADP ribosyltransferase is a mono-ADP-ribosylated acceptor whether the intact or solubilized membrane provides the enzyme activity and whether membrane or exogenous acceptor, L-arginine methyl ester, is utilized. The intact membranes and the solubilized preparation also have an enzyme activity which can release AMP from the mono-ADP-ribosylated acceptor whether formed by the action of the membrane ADP ribosyltransferase or the A promoter of cholera toxin. The NAD glycohydrolase activity appears to represent the half-reaction of the ADP ribosyltransferase, i.e. an activity measurable substituting water for a membrane acceptor or L-arginine methyl ester. Membranes from functional rat thyroid cells in culture, i.e. cells chronically stimulated by thyrotropin and unresponsive to further additions of thyrotropin, have low ADP-ribosylation but high NAD glycohydrolase activities. In contrast, membranes from nonfunctional rat thyroid cells, i.e. cells unresponsive to thyrotropin, have high ADP-ribosylation and low NAD glycohydrolase activities. NAD hydrolysis by the NAD glycohydrolase activity cannot account for the low ADP-ribosylation activity in membranes from the functioning cells, and its low level of ADP-ribosylation can be eliminated by solubilizing the membranes and substituting an artificial acceptor, L-arginine methyl ester. The ADP ribosyltransferase activity of rat thyroid cell membrane preparations can be enhanced by thyrotropin in a dose-dependent manner but not by insulin, glucagon, hydrocortisone, adrenocorticotropin, or its glycoprotein hormone analog, human chorionic gonadotropin. It is thus suggested (i) that, in analogy to cholera toxin, thyrotropin-stimulated ADP-ribosylation may be important in the regulation of the adenylate cyclase response and (ii) that the level of membrane acceptor available for ADP-ribosylation may relate both to a stable "'activated" state of the adenylate cyclase system in cells chronically stimulated with thyrotropin and/or to a desensitized state with regard to a failure of more thyrotropin to elicit additional functional responses.