Characteristics of rT3 5'-monodeiodination in rat brain: comparison with T4 and T3 5-monodeiodinations

The present study revealed the existence and some characteristics of rT3 5'-deiodinase in rat brain by measuring the production of 3,3'-T2 from rT3 by radioimmunoassay. The conversion of rT3 to 3,3'-T2 was dependent on the duration of the incubation, tissue amount, temperature and pH (the optimal pH was 8.0), suggesting its enzymatic nature. Apparent Km was estimated to be 0.16 microM and the Vmax was 139.3 fmol/mg protein/min. The converting activity was dependent on the concentration of dithiothreitol (DTT). In contrast to T4 or T3 5-deiodinase, rT3 5'-deiodinase activity in the rat brain was the highest in cerebellum and the activity was low in the neonatal rat brain. Moreover, the 5'-deiodinase activity was inhibited by propylthiouracil (PTU). These differences between rT3 5'-deiodinase and T4 or T3 5-deiodinase suggest that different deiodinases are present in rat brain, and the local conversion of thyroid hormone is important for its action in the central nervous system.