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Expression and localization of the sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) in testicular cells

Diego Russo1, Angela Scipioni, Cosimo Durante

  • 1Department of Pharmacobiological Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Graecia, Viale Europa, 88100, Germaneto, Catanzaro, Italy. d.russo@unicz.it

Endocrine
|April 19, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Radioiodine (I(131)) treatment for thyroid cancer may affect male gonads. This study found the sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) is expressed in human testes, potentially influencing radioiodine uptake.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Radioiodine (I(131)) is a standard treatment for thyroid cancer, impacting diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
  • Limited data exist on sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) expression in the human testis, crucial for predicting gonadal radioiodine accumulation in male patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression of the sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) in normal testicular tissues across different developmental stages in mice, rats, and humans.
  • To determine if NIS expression in the testis could be a factor in radioiodine accumulation in male thyroid cancer patients undergoing treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative RT-PCR was used to measure NIS mRNA levels in fetal and adult testicular tissues.
  • Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry were employed to detect NIS protein expression and localization.

Main Results:

  • NIS transcript was detected in both fetal and adult testes, albeit at levels approximately 10-fold lower than in the thyroid gland.
  • NIS protein was identified in germinal and Leydig cells, but not in Sertoli cells, with predominant localization in the cytosol.
  • Expression was observed in mouse, rat, and human testicular tissues.

Conclusions:

  • The sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) transcript and protein are expressed in normal testicular tissues.
  • Further research is warranted to ascertain if NIS functions as a radioiodine transporter in the testes of male thyroid cancer patients.

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