Hyperpolarization of thyroid cells in vitro by thyrotropin and cyclic AMP

With the use of microelectrodes, membrane potential (MP) was measured in mouse thyroid glands in vitro. A basal resting MP of about -39 mV was confirmed. The initial effect of feeding a low-iodine diet (6-12 days) was hyperpolarization, up to -47 m V; chronic low-iodine diet led to depolarization. Low concentrations of thyrotropin (less than 3 mU/ml superfusate) caused hyperpolarization and high ones (greater than 10 mU/ml) led to depolarization. Cyclic AMP (10(-3) M), dibutyryl cyclic AMP (1.2 X 10(-4) M or 1.2 X 10(-3) M) and theophylline (10(-2) or 10(-3) M) caused similar hyperpolarization: D- and DL-propranolol (5 X 10(-5) -5 X 10(-4) M) produced depolarization and inhibited hyperpolarization by thyrotropin. Conclusions are that hyperpolarization is a consequence of short-term increased secretion of thyrotropin in vivo or of low (near physiological) concentrations in vitro; these effects are probably mediated by cyclic AMP. The relationship to and mechanism of depolarization resulting from chronic enhanced endogenous secretion or high in vitro concentrations of thyrotropin are unknown.