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TSH receptors in human thyroid tumours.
A A Narkar1, D H Shah, S R Dandekar
1Radiation Medicine Centre, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Bombay.
The Indian Journal of Medical Research
|April 1, 1990
Summary
Researchers investigated human TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) binding in thyroid tumors. TSH receptors were found in over half of specimens, but binding varied widely, showing no clear pathological pattern.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) plays a crucial role in thyroid function.
- Understanding TSH interaction with thyroid tumors is important for diagnosis and treatment.
- Previous studies have shown variable TSH receptor expression in thyroid tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the binding characteristics of human TSH (h-TSH) to human thyroid tumors.
- To determine the presence and affinity of TSH receptors in thyroid tumor specimens.
- To explore potential correlations between TSH binding and tumor pathology.
Main Methods:
- Radio receptor assay technique was employed to examine 26 thyroid tumor specimens.
- Scatchard analysis was utilized to quantify TSH receptor binding parameters (affinity, capacity).
- Non-specific binding and displacement by stable h-TSH were assessed.
Main Results:
- TSH receptors were detected in 57.7% (15/26) of thyroid tumors, with high affinity (Ka > 10^9).
- A significant variation in TSH binding parameters (B0, non-specific binding, affinity, capacity) was observed across tumors.
- More than one binding component was identified in 46% (12/26) of the studied tumors.
- No consistent pattern of TSH binding was found in relation to tumor pathology.
- A linear relationship was observed between log affinity and log capacity (r = -0.93).
Conclusions:
- Human TSH receptors are present in a substantial proportion of human thyroid tumors.
- TSH receptor binding characteristics exhibit considerable heterogeneity in thyroid tumors.
- The binding patterns do not correlate consistently with specific tumor pathologies, suggesting complex regulatory mechanisms.