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[Thyroid proteinase activity in toxic forms of goiter]
Problemy Endokrinologii
|November 1, 1983
Summary
Thyroid cathepsin activity increases in thyrotoxicosis, particularly in diffuse toxic goiter. This suggests thyroid lysosome cathepsins are key to hormone release due to membrane destabilization.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Endocrinology
Context:
- Thyrotoxicosis involves excessive thyroid hormone production.
- Lysosomal enzymes, specifically cathepsins, are implicated in cellular processes.
Purpose:
- To investigate the activity of thyroid proteinases (cathepsins) in thyrotoxicosis.
- To correlate cathepsin activity with thyroid dysfunction and lysosomal changes.
Summary:
- Both free and total thyroid lysosome cathepsin activity are elevated in thyrotoxicosis.
- Free cathepsin activity, as a percentage of total, is highest in diffuse toxic goiter.
- Electron microscopy reveals lysosome membrane destabilization and increased numbers in thyrotoxicosis.
Impact:
- Thyroid lysosome cathepsins are suggested to be crucial for organic proteolysis.
- These enzymes likely play a significant role in regulating thyroid hormone release.