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ABSTRACT: Background
Propylthiouracil (PTU) and methimazole (MMI) are drugs that are widely used to treat Graves' disease. Although both exert an antithyroid effect primarily by blocking thyroid peroxidase activity, their molecular structure and other actions are different. We hypothesized that PTU and MMI may have differential effects on thyroid-specific gene expression and function.Methods
The effects of PTU and MMI on thyroid-specific gene expression and function were examined in rat thyroid FRTL-5 cells using DNA microarray, reverse transcriptase (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real-time PCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and radioiodine uptake studies.Results
DNA microarray analysis showed a marked increase in sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) gene expression after PTU treatment, whereas MMI had no effect. RT-PCR and real-time PCR analysis revealed that PTU-induced NIS mRNA levels were comparable to those elicited by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). PTU increased 5'-1880-bp and 5'-1052-bp activity of the rat NIS promoter. While PTU treatment also increased NIS protein levels, the size of the induced protein was smaller than that induced by TSH, and the protein localized predominantly in the cytoplasm rather than the plasma membrane. Accumulation of (125)I in FRTL-5 cells was increased by PTU stimulation, but this effect was weaker than that produced by TSH.Conclusions
We found that PTU induces NIS expression and iodide uptake in rat thyroid FRTL-5 cells in the absence of TSH. Although PTU and MMI share similar antithyroid activity, their effects on other thyroid functions appear to be quite different, which could affect their therapeutic effectiveness.
SUBMITTER: Sue M
PROVIDER: S-EPMC3407387 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Aug
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Sue Mariko M Akama Takeshi T Kawashima Akira A Nakamura Hannah H Hara Takeshi T Tanigawa Kazunari K Wu Huhehasi H Yoshihara Aya A Ishido Yuko Y Hiroi Naoki N Yoshino Gen G Kohn Leonard D LD Ishii Norihisa N Suzuki Koichi K
Thyroid : official journal of the American Thyroid Association 20120801 8
<h4>Background</h4>Propylthiouracil (PTU) and methimazole (MMI) are drugs that are widely used to treat Graves' disease. Although both exert an antithyroid effect primarily by blocking thyroid peroxidase activity, their molecular structure and other actions are different. We hypothesized that PTU and MMI may have differential effects on thyroid-specific gene expression and function.<h4>Methods</h4>The effects of PTU and MMI on thyroid-specific gene expression and function were examined in rat th ...[more]