propylthiouracil and potassium-perchlorate

The perchlorate discharge assay (PDA) is potentially of high diagnostic value to distinguish between direct and indirect thyroid toxicity mechanisms, provided that standard treatment times are established and positive controls yield reproducible results. Therefore the PDA was evaluated after 2 and/or 4 weeks of treatment with positive control compounds in rats. Phenobarbital, Aroclor 1254 and beta-naphthoflavone (indirect toxic mechanism) enhanced thyroidal radioiodide accumulation, and the administration of potassium perchlorate had no effect on thyroid: blood (125)I ratio. Phenobarbital caused follicular cell hypertrophy and hyperplasia in the thyroid and centrilobular hypertrophy in the liver, without effects on serum triiodotyronine (T(3)), thyroxine (T(4)) levels. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were moderately increased. Propylthiouracil (direct toxic mechanism) caused severe thyroid follicular cell hypertrophy and hyperplasia, reduced serum T(3) and T(4) levels and increased serum TSH levels, and reduced thyroidal radioiodide accumulation; perchlorate administration significantly reduced thyroid: blood (125)I ratio, demonstrating an iodide organification block. Potassium iodide (direct toxic mechanism) virtually blocked thyroidal radioiodide accumulation, without significant effects on serum T(3), T(4), and TSH levels and a microscopic correlate for higher thyroid weights. Thus, positive controls yielded reproducible results and we conclude that both the 2- and 4-week PDA is suitable to distinguish between direct and indirect thyroid toxicity mechanisms.

Topics: Animals; beta-Naphthoflavone; Chlorodiphenyl (54% Chlorine); Hyperplasia; Hypertrophy; Iodine Radioisotopes; Male; Perchlorates; Phenobarbital; Potassium Compounds; Potassium Iodide; Propylthiouracil; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity; Thyroid Function Tests; Thyroid Gland; Thyrotropin; Thyroxine; Toxicity Tests; Triiodothyronine

Thyroid hormone (T4) can be detected in thyroid follicles in wild-type zebrafish larvae from 3 days of development, when the thyroid has differentiated. In contrast, embryos or larvae treated with goitrogens (substances such as methimazole, potassium percholorate, and 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil) are devoid of thyroid hormone immunoreactivity. Phenythiourea (PTurea; also commonly known as PTU) is widely used in zebrafish research to suppress pigmentation in developing embryos/fry. PTurea contains a thiocarbamide group that is responsible for goitrogenic activity in methimazole and 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil. In the present study, we show that commonly used doses of 0.003% PTurea abolish T4 immunoreactivity of the thyroid follicles of zebrafish larvae. As development of the thyroid gland is not affected, these data suggest that PTurea blocks thyroid hormone production. Like other goitrogens, PTurea causes delayed hatching, retardation and malformation of embryos or larvae with increasing doses. At doses of 0.003% PTurea, however, toxic side effects seem to be at a minimum, and the maternal contribution of the hormone might compensate for compromised thyroid function during the first days of development.

Topics: Animals; Antithyroid Agents; Metamorphosis, Biological; Methimazole; Mutation; Perchlorates; Phenylthiourea; Potassium Compounds; Propylthiouracil; Thyroid Gland; Thyroid Hormones; Zebrafish

The ability of different goitrogens (anti-thyroid agents) to induce precocious metamorphosis in larval sea lampreys (Petromyzon marinus) was assessed in four separate experiments. Two of these goitrogens (propylthiouracil [PTU] and methimazole [MMI]) are inhibitors of thyroid peroxidase-catalyzed iodination, and three (potassium perchlorate [KClO(4)], potassium thiocyanate [KSCN], and sodium perchlorate [NaClO(4)]) are anionic competitors of iodide uptake. Because, theoretically, all of these goitrogens prevent thyroid hormone (TH) synthesis, we also measured their influence on serum concentrations of thyroxine and triiodothyronine. All goitrogens except PTU significantly lowered serum TH concentrations and induced metamorphosis in some larvae. The incidence of metamorphosis appeared to be correlated with these lowered TH concentrations in that KClO(4), NaClO(4), and MMI treatments resulted in the lowest serum TH concentrations and the highest incidence of metamorphosis in sea lampreys. Moreover, fewer larvae metamorphosed in the KSCN and low-KClO(4) treatment groups and their serum TH concentrations tended to be greater than the values in the aforementioned groups. MMI treatment at the concentrations used (0.087 and 0.87 mM) was toxic to 55% of the exposed sea lampreys within 6 weeks. The potassium ion administered as KCl did not alter serum TH concentrations or induce metamorphosis. On the basis of the results of these experiments, we have made the following conclusions: (i) In general, most goitrogens other than PTU can induce metamorphosis in larval sea lampreys, and this induction is coincident with a decline in serum TH concentrations. (ii) The method by which a goitrogen prevents TH synthesis is not directly relevant to the induction of metamorphosis. (iii) PTU has variable effects on TH synthesis and metamorphosis among lamprey species. (iv) Unlike in protochordates, potassium ions do not induce metamorphosis in sea lampreys and are not a factor in the stimulation of this event.

Topics: Animals; Antithyroid Agents; Iodide Peroxidase; Iodides; Lampreys; Larva; Metamorphosis, Biological; Methimazole; Perchlorates; Potassium; Potassium Chloride; Potassium Compounds; Propylthiouracil; Sodium Compounds; Thiocyanates; Thyroid Hormones; Triiodothyronine

We describe TSH-like activity of ethanol for thyroid hormone formation in the physiological culture system. Porcine thyroid follicles were preincubated with 0-100 mM (0-0.58%) ethanol in the presence of 0-1280 microU/ml bovine TSH for 24 h; these follicles were then incubated with the mixture of Na125I and NaI to measure iodide uptake, iodine organification, and de novo thyroid hormone formation. Ethanol stimulated iodide uptake in a dose-response manner in TSH-free medium. Ethanol augmented the effect of TSH on iodide uptake, iodide organification, and thyroid hormone formation in the presence of 20-80 microU/ml TSH. When TSH concentration was 320 microU/ml or greater, ethanol no longer stimulated iodide uptake and thyroid hormone formation. Ethanol mediated iodide uptake and iodine organification were inhibited by potassium perchlorate and propylthiouracil respectively. The effect of ethanol on the thyroid follicle was reversible 24 h after removal of ethanol from the medium. The mechanism of TSH-like activity of ethanol was studied by measuring cAMP generation and Na+K+ATPase activity, a sodium pump necessary for iodide transport, in the presence of 0-1280 microU/ml TSH. Ethanol increased cAMP production in TSH-free medium; the increment of cAMP by ethanol was more prominent when 20-80 microU/ml TSH were present. Ethanol also augmented (Bu)2cAMP-mediated iodide uptake and TSH-mediated thyroid Na+K+ATPase activity. Thus, TSH-like activity of ethanol for thyroid hormone formation can be explained by activation of the cAMP system and Na+K+ATPase activity. Our results indicate that ethanol concentrations equivalent to the blood level of moderate to heavy alcohol drinkers exert TSH-like activity in the thyroid follicle.

Topics: Animals; Bucladesine; Cells, Cultured; Cyclic AMP; Ethanol; Iodine Radioisotopes; Perchlorates; Potassium; Potassium Compounds; Propylthiouracil; Sodium Iodide; Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase; Swine; Thyroid Gland; Thyrotropin; Triiodothyronine

To assess the importance of the role of thyroidal iodine in the pathogenesis of thyroiditis in the obese strain (OS) chicken, a model of spontaneous and severe disease, we studied the effect of antithyroid drugs that reduce thyroidal iodine or prevent its metabolism. Reduction of thyroidal iodine was achieved with KClO4, an inhibitor of iodine transport and mononitrotyrosine (MNT), a drug that promotes loss of thyroidal iodine as iodotyrosines. A regimen consisting of KClO4 and MNT administration beginning in ovo and continuing after hatching reduced thyroidal infiltration to 2% of control values and decreased thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) production for as long as 9 wk. Untreated birds had severe disease by 5 wk of age. The suppression of disease was independent of TSH, not mediated by generalized immunosuppression and reversed by excess dietary iodine. Two drugs that inhibit the metabolism of iodine, propylthiouracil (PTU) and aminotriazole, reduced thyroidal infiltration and TgAb levels, although to a lesser extent. When splenocytes from OS chickens with thyroiditis were transferred to Cornell strain (CS) chickens, a related strain that develops late onset mild disease, only the recipients that were iodine supplemented developed thyroiditis. In conclusion, autoimmune thyroiditis in an animal model can be prevented by reducing thyroidal iodine or its metabolism and optimal effects require intervention at the embryonic stage.

Topics: Amitrole; Animals; Chickens; Immunotherapy, Adoptive; Iodine; Obesity; Perchlorates; Potassium; Potassium Compounds; Propylthiouracil; Thyroid Gland; Thyroiditis, Autoimmune; Thyrotropin; Tyrosine

In order to assess the value of thyroid function testing during amiodarone therapy, we reviewed all available tests in 128 patients treated with this drug. Nine patients (7.0%) developed biochemical hyperthyroidism with elevation of both free thyroxine index (FT4I) and free triiodothyronine index (FT3I) and marked suppression of serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) after 1-46 months of therapy; six of these nine patients had clear clinical evidence of thyroid overactivity. Where serial tests were available before development of hyperthyroidism, this complication developed suddenly, despite previously stable normal indices of thyroid function, and could not be predicted by currently-available biochemical tests such as T4, T3, sensitive TSH, thyroglobulin or sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) assays. Clinical features such as unexplained weight loss, proximal myopathy, exacerbation of arrhythmia, or heat intolerance appear to be the key to prompt diagnosis of this complication. Hyperthyroxinemia without T3 excess was found in 32.8% of patients without progression to true hyperthyroidism. Serum TSH remained detectable by sensitive assay in 17 out of 18 patients with amiodarone-induced euthyroid hyperthyroxinemia and was significantly higher than in patients with equivalent hyperthyroxinemia due to thyroxine therapy. Serial levels of SHBG were higher in patients with true hyperthyroidism than in those with euthyroid hyperthyroxinemia. The effect of combined treatment with propylthiouracil (800 mg/day) and potassium perchlorate (800 mg/day) was evaluated in five of the six clinically hyperthyroid patients. Biochemical euthyroidism was achieved after 7-19 weeks, a response slower than previously reported, indicating that this drug combination does not result uniformly in prompt resolution of amiodarone-induced hyperthyroidism.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Amiodarone; Child; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Humans; Hyperthyroidism; Male; Middle Aged; Perchlorates; Potassium; Potassium Compounds; Predictive Value of Tests; Propylthiouracil; Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin; Thyroglobulin; Thyroid Function Tests; Thyrotropin; Thyroxine

Topics: Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Humans; Hyperthyroidism; Iodine; Middle Aged; Perchlorates; Potassium; Potassium Compounds; Propylthiouracil

Topics: Adult; Amiodarone; Female; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Hyperthyroidism; Hypothyroidism; Male; Perchlorates; Plasmapheresis; Potassium; Potassium Compounds; Propylthiouracil; Thyroid Hormones; Thyroidectomy; Thyroxine

The effect of 1000 ppm potassium perchlorate (KClO4), 1000 ppm potassium iodide (KI) or 1000 ppm propylthiouracil (PTU) in the diet on the development of thyroid tumors was studied histologically and biochemically in Wistar rats given a single ip injection of 280 mg of N-bis(2-hydroxypropyl)nitrosamine (DHPN) per 100 g body weight. Basal diet containing 100 ppm KClO4, 1000 ppm KI or 1000 ppm PTU was given for 19 weeks from week 2 to week 20. The incidence of thyroid adenomas at the end of week 20 of the experiment was 100% (20/20) in rats treated with DHPN followed by KClO4, 85% (17/20) in rats given DHPN followed by KI, 95% (19/20) in rats given DHPN followed by PTU, and 5% (1/20) in rats given DHPN alone. The incidence of thyroid cancers was 100% (20/20) in rats treated with DHPN followed by KClO4, 65% (13/20) in rats treated with DHPN followed by KI and 0% (0/20) in rats treated with DHPN followed by or not followed by PTU. Rats given KClO4, KI or PTU alone and untreated rats had no thyroid tumors. The mean values of TSH in serum were 2.94 +/- 0.79 ng/ml in rats treated with DHPN followed by KClO4, 9.40 +/- 16.0 ng/ml in rats treated with DHPN followed by KI and 60.94 +/- 20.60 ng/ml in rats treated with DHPN followed by PTU. It was confirmed that (1) KClO4, PTU and KI promote the development of thyroid tumor in rats treated with DHPN, (2) the promoting effect of KClO4 or KI is stronger than that of PTU and (3) the value of TSH in serum is not parallel to the promoting effect on the development of thyroid tumor.

Topics: Animals; Body Weight; Cocarcinogenesis; Male; Nitrosamines; Organ Size; Perchlorates; Potassium; Potassium Compounds; Potassium Iodide; Propylthiouracil; Radioimmunoassay; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Thyroid Gland; Thyroid Neoplasms

Topics: Amiodarone; Humans; Hyperthyroidism; Male; Middle Aged; Perchlorates; Potassium; Potassium Compounds; Propylthiouracil

In this study we investigated further the antigoitrogenic effect of ClO4 in rats on a low iodine diet (LID) and 6-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU). The thyroid weight of rats on the mixed goitrogen was initially similar to that of animals on PTU, decreasing to values obtained in rats treated with ClO4 alone by 10 days. Despite the differences in thyroid weight, rats treated during an identical period with PTU or mixed goitrogen develop hypothyroidism to a comparable degree as far as can be assessed by the thyroidal 127I content, plasma T4, T3 and TSH concentrations, and pituitary TSH content. Moreover, it was observed that there were differences in plasma insulin and glucose levels in these hypothyroid animals. The plasma insulin and glucose levels of rats on PTU are comparable to those found in control rats. In rats on mixed goitrogen, both plasma insulin and glucose levels are initially maintained within the normal ranges, and then decline over the subsequent days of treatment. Within the treatment period studied here, plasma insulin and glucose levels were higher for rats on PTU than for animals on ClO4, PTU + ClO4, or thyroidectomized (Th) animals. We have obtained further evidence of the hypothyroid state of rats on these goitrogen regimens based on measurements of pituitary and plasma GH levels and liver mitochondrial alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (alpha-GPD). The PTU-treatment decreased the liver alpha-GPD activity to a comparable degree to that of mixed goitrogen. Moreover, both PTU + ClO4 and PTU-treatment resulted in a state of hypothyroidism intense enough to induce effects on growth, and plasma and pituitary GH levels comparable to that of Th animals. However, the values for rats on mixed goitrogen appear to be below the PTU data. The present findings appear to be consistent with the view that TSH is not the unique factor determining the size of the resulting goitre. The results are discussed in relation to the hypothesis that: 1) the antigoitrogenic effect of ClO4 could be associated with changes in the ability of the thyroid tissue to bind TSH, or with a step beyond TSH binding, and 2) the different endocrine and metabolic states of rats on PTU or PTU + ClO4, shown by their different plasma insulin, GH and glucose levels, may play an important role in determining the thyroid weight response to TSH.

Topics: Animals; Blood Glucose; Goiter; Growth Hormone; Hypothyroidism; Insulin; Male; Organ Size; Perchlorates; Potassium; Potassium Compounds; Propylthiouracil; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Thyroid Gland; Thyroid Hormones

Topics: Adult; Female; Graves Disease; Humans; Iodine; Iodine Radioisotopes; Kinetics; Male; Perchlorates; Potassium; Potassium Compounds; Propylthiouracil; Thyroid Gland; Thyroxine; Triiodothyronine; Triiodothyronine, Reverse

Topics: Iodine; Perchlorates; Potassium Compounds; Propylthiouracil; Thiouracil; Thyroxine