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Detection and regulation of rat thyroid MHC class II (RT1.D) transcripts
1Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York 10029.
Molecular Endocrinology (Baltimore, Md.)
|June 1, 1988
Summary
Thyroid cells do not inherently express MHC class II genes. Expression of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class II antigens in these cells is triggered by external factors like gamma-interferon.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- FRTL-5 rat thyroid cells (1B-6 clone) are used to study thyroid cell function.
- Previous studies suggested potential constitutive MHC class II gene expression in these cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether 1B-6 rat thyroid cells exhibit constitutive Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class II gene expression.
- To develop a more sensitive method for detecting MHC class II mRNA in thyroid cells.
Main Methods:
- Developed a novel homologous cDNA probe for the RT1.D alpha-chain region for enhanced sensitivity.
- Quantified MHC class II (RT1.D) alpha-chain mRNA transcripts using the new probe.
- Assessed cell surface MHC class II antigen expression.
- Treated cells with recombinant rat gamma-interferon and bovine TSH.
Main Results:
- A new, highly sensitive cDNA probe detected MHC class II mRNA transcripts.
- Recombinant rat gamma-interferon induced MHC class II antigen expression at low concentrations (1 U/ml) in the presence of bovine TSH.
- No constitutive MHC class II transcripts were found in proliferating 1B-6 cells without gamma-interferon, even with bovine TSH.
Conclusions:
- MHC class II gene expression in 1B-6 rat thyroid cells is not constitutive.
- Expression of MHC class II antigens in thyroid cells is dependent on external stimulating factors, such as gamma-interferon.