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Insulin-like growth factor-I receptors in nonfunctioning thyroid nodules
G B Vannelli1, T Barni, U Modigliani
1Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Italy.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|November 1, 1990
Summary
Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) receptors are more concentrated in non-functioning thyroid nodules. This suggests IGF-I may play a role in abnormal thyroid growth, impacting neoplasms.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and its type I receptors are present in human thyroid cells.
- IGF-I is known to regulate thyroid cell growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of IGF-I in abnormal thyroid growth.
- To compare IGF-I receptor density in thyroid adenomas versus normal thyroid tissue.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibody alpha-IR3.
- Radioligand binding studies.
- Affinity labeling and cross-linking studies.
Main Results:
- Type I IGF receptors are present in human thyroid cells.
- Radioligand studies showed no significant difference in receptor density between nodular and normal tissues.
- Immunohistochemistry revealed higher IGF-I receptor concentrations in epithelial cells of non-functioning thyroid nodules compared to adjacent normal tissue.
Conclusions:
- The same type I IGF receptor is found in thyroid follicular adenomas and normal thyroid tissue.
- Elevated IGF-I receptor concentrations in adenomas suggest IGF-I contributes to abnormal thyroid neoplasm growth.