Thyroid hormone regulation of extrathyroidal iodoproteins

The effect of thyroid status on plasma and tissue levels of labeled nonextractable iodine (NEI) derived from the metabolism of radioiodothyronines was examined in the rat. Concentrations of radioiodoprotein were substantially elevated in plasma, kidney, and liver in thyroidectomized animals 72 h postinjection of [125I]triiodothytonine ([125I]T3). Similarly, total rat concentrations of radioactive NEI were increased (52%) 72 h after injection of [125I]T3. NE125I concentrations from [125I]T3 in plasma, kidney, and liver were diminished progressively in thyroidectomized animals maintained on increasing doses of thyroxine replacement, demonstrating that iodoprotein levels were inversely related to thyroid state. The plasma disappearance rate of radioiodoprotein from [125I]T3 was markedly slowed in hypothyroid animals and accelerated in intact controls rendered hyperthyroid with daily injections of T4, 8 mug/100 g BW. Propylthiouracil (PTU) treatment of thyroidectomized rats maintained on T4, 2 mug/100 g BW per day resulted in increased NE125I from [125E]T3 in plasma, kidney, and liver. The results of the foregoing investigations suggest that thyroid hormone regulates levels of iodothyronine-derived iodoproteins by influencing the rate of degradation of iodoproteins. Moreover, the observed elevation of iodoprotein levels in T4-maintained thyroidectomized animals after PTU administration appears consistent with the modification of thyroid status due to the peripheral antithyroxine effect of PTU.