TSH-receptors and prognostic value of their analysis

TSH receptors were analyzed by equilibrium binding method of Scatchard in nodular and perinodular specimens surgically obtained from nine patients suffering from thyroid nodular goiter, which were clinically euthyroid. Among these patients, the group of those at "real risk" for reappearance of postoperative thyroid nodule in follow-up period was formed. The obtained results showed that there were no significant differences in specific 125I-bTSH binding between perinodular (assumed to be normal by PH analysis) and nodular tissues. The level of high affinity receptors was higher in perinodular than nodular specimens, while low affinity binding sites were increased in nodular tissue. Decreased level of high affinity and increased content of low affinity binding sites were observed in perinodular compared to nodular specimens obtained from patients of "real risk" group. These results give evidences for real risk of postoperative compensatory hypertrophy and thyroid goiter relapse in follow-up during long-term period.