Propylthiouracil increases sodium/iodide symporter gene expression and iodide uptake in rat thyroid cells in the absence of TSH.

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 aft

SUBMITTER: Sue M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3407387 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature