Biosynthesis of 3-Iodothyronamine From T4 in Murine Intestinal Tissue.

The endogenous metabolite 3-iodothyronamine (3-T1AM) induces strong hypothermia and bradycardia at pharmacological doses. Although its biosynthesis from thyroid hormone precursors appears likely, the sequence and sites of reactions are still controversial: studies in T4-substituted thyroid cancer patients lacking functional thyroid tissue suggested extrathyroidal 3-T1AM production, whereas studies using labeled T4 in mice indicated intrathyroidal formation. However, because the patients received T4 orally, whereas the mice were injected ip, we hypothesized that 3-T1AM synthesis requires the intestinal passage of T4. Using the everted gut sac model in combination with mass spectrometry, we demonstrate 3-T1AM production from T4 in mouse intestine via several deiodination and decarboxylation steps. Gene expression analysis confirmed the expression of all 3 deiodinases as well as ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) in intestine. Subsequent experiments employing purified human ODC revealed that this enzyme can in fact mediate decarboxylation of 3,5-T2 and T4 to the respective thyronamines (TAMs), demonstrating that the intestine expresses the entire molecular machinery required for 3-T1AM biosynthesis. Interestingly, TAM production was strongly affected by the antithyroid treatment methimazole and perchlorate independently of thyroid status, limiting the validity of the respective mouse models in this context. Taken together, our data demonstrate intestinal 3-T1AM biosynthesis from T4 involving decarboxylation through ODC with subsequent deiodination, and explain the apparent discrepancy between 3-T1AM serum levels in patients substituted orally and mice injected ip with T4. Identifying ODC as the first enzyme capable of decarboxylating thyroid hormone, our findings open the path to further investigations of TAM metabolism on molecular and cellular levels.

Biosynthesis of 3-iodothyronamine (T1AM) is dependent on the sodium-iodide symporter and thyroperoxidase but does not involve extrathyroidal metabolism of T4.

3-Iodothyronamine (T(1)AM) is an endogenous thyroid hormone derivative with unknown biosynthetic origins. Structural similarities have led to the hypothesis that T(1)AM is an extrathyroidal metabolite of T(4). This study uses an isotope-labeled T(4) [heavy-T(4) (H-T(4))] that can be distinguished from endogenous T(4) by mass spectrometry, which allows metabolites to be identified based on the presence of this unique isotope signature. Endogenous T(1)AM levels depend upon thyroid status and decrease upon induction of hypothyroidism. However, in hypothyroid mice replaced with H-T(4), the isotope-labeled H-T(3) metabolite is detected, but no isotope-labeled T(1)AM is detected. These data suggest that T(1)AM is not an extrathyroidal metabolite of T(4), yet is produced by a process that requires the same biosynthetic factors necessary for T(4) synthesis.

Does the aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase contribute to thyronamine biosynthesis?

Thyronamines (TAM), recently described endogenous signaling molecules, exert metabolic and pharmacological actions partly opposing those of the thyromimetic hormone T(3). TAM biosynthesis from thyroid hormone (TH) precursors requires decarboxylation of the L-alanine side chain and several deiodination steps to convert e.g. L-thyroxine (T(4)) into the most potent 3-T(1)AM. Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) was proposed to mediate TAM biosynthesis via decarboxylation of TH. This hypothesis was tested by incubating recombinant human AADC, which actively catalyzes dopamine production from DOPA, with several TH. Under all reaction conditions tested, AADC failed to catalyze TH decarboxylation, thus challenging the initial hypothesis. These in vitro observations are supported by detection of 3-T(1)AM in plasma of patients with AADC-deficiency at levels (46 ± 18 nM, n=4) similar to those of healthy controls. Therefore, we propose that the enzymatic decarboxylation needed to form TAM from TH is catalyzed by another unique, perhaps TH-specific, decarboxylase.

Evidence for extrathyroidal formation of 3-iodothyronamine in humans as provided by a novel monoclonal antibody-based chemiluminescent serum immunoassay.

CONTEXT: Thyronamines are thyronergic metabolites of thyroid hormones. Lack of reliable and sensitive detection methods for endogenous 3-iodothyronamine (3-T(1)AM) has so far hampered progress in understanding their physiological action and role in endocrine homeostasis or pathophysiology of diseases. OBJECTIVE: We characterized newly generated mouse monoclonal 3-T(1)AM antibodies and established a monoclonal antibody-based chemiluminescence immunoassay as a powerful tool for monitoring 3-T(1)AM levels in investigations addressing altered serum profiles and potential sites of origin and action of 3-T(1)AM in humans. DESIGN AND SETTING: Our exploratory study on 3-T(1)AM serum levels in humans measured 3-T(1)AM concentrations in comparison with thyroid hormones. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Thirteen adult healthy subjects, 10 patients with pituitary insufficiency, and 105 thyroid cancer patients participated. INTERVENTIONS: INTERVENTIONS included l-T(4) withdrawal in patients with pituitary insufficiency as well as TSH-suppressive T(4) substitution in thyroid cancer patients. RESULTS: 3-T(1)AM was reliably quantified in human serum and stable after storage at room temperature and 4 C overnight as well as after four freeze-thaw cycles. The median serum concentration in healthy subjects was 66 ± 26 nm. 3-T(1)AM was also detected in T(4)-substituted thyroid cancer patients. Although free T(4) and T(3) significantly decreased during T(4) withdrawal, 3-T(1)AM levels remained constant for 6 d. CONCLUSION: Because higher 3-T(1)AM levels are detectable in T(4)-substituted thyroid cancer patients after thyroidectomy/radioiodine treatment compared with healthy controls, we concluded that 3-T(1)AM is mainly produced by extrathyroidal tissues. The serum profile during T(4) withdrawal suggests either a long half-life or persisting 3-T(1)AM release into serum from intracellular thyroid hormone precursors or stores.

Primary hormonogenic sites as conserved autoepitopes on thyroglobulin in murine autoimmune thyroiditis. Secondary role of iodination.

We hypothesized earlier that conserved T cell epitopes and those unique to mouse thyroglobulin (MTg) contributed to its total thyroiditogenicity in murine autoimmune thyroiditis. Recent studies of synthetic peptides from human Tg (HTg) revealed no immunodominant epitopes. The role of iodine residues, considered by some to render Tg immunogenic, became unclear, since only one 12-mer peptide contained thyroxine (T4) positioned at hormonogenic site 2553. It primed T cells for thyroiditis transfer, but noniodinated peptide containing thyronine (T0) was not compared. To determine 1) whether other primary hormonogenic sites were likewise immunogenic and 2) whether iodination was requisite for this and other sites to be an autoepitope, we derivatized three pairs of 12-mer peptides, 1-12, 2549-2560, 2559-2570, containing T0 or T4 at positions 5, 2553, or 2567, respectively. The six peptides were used to stimulate MTg-primed cells in vitro and to immunize mice. None directly induced thyroiditis; peptide Abs were the lowest in mice given hT0(2567) or hT4(2567). Of the three T4-containing peptides, hT4(5) and hT4(2553), but not hT4(2567), stimulated MTg-primed or HTg-primed T cells in vitro, with hT4(2553) being the stronger. Comparing hT0(2553) with hT4(2553), both activated MTg-primed, or peptide-primed, T cells to transfer thyroiditis. The marked immunogenicity of noniodinated hT0(2553) and the poor antigenicity of hT4(5) and hT4(2567) demonstrate that immunogenicity of a conserved hormonogenic site is dependent more on its amino acid sequence than on T4 substitution. Iodination may enhance antigenicity and/or binding affinity, but it is not required for a Tg hormonogenic site to be an autoepitope.

Effects of sodium bromide on the biosynthesis of thyroid hormones and brominated/iodinated thyronines.

The influence of bromide on thyroid function was studied in iodine-deficient rats, fed on a diet containing 4-16 g/kg sodium bromide for 4 weeks. Measurement of total and free thyroxine and thyroid-stimulating hormone in blood, as well as the thyroid hormones in the thyroid gland, revealed typical signs of hypothyroidism, which were significantly enhanced by bromide intake. Special attention was paid to the possible formation of bromo/iodosubstituted thyronines in the thyroid. These measurements were performed by high-performance liquid chromatography with off-line radioimmunoassay detection. Such thyroid hormone analogues could be detected in all groups of animals with additional bromide intake, but the amounts were found to be too low to compensate adequately for the reduced amounts of thyroid hormones. The results of this study also indicate that bromide toxicity is dependent upon the state of the iodine supply, which should be taken into account for evaluation of acceptable daily intake values for bromide.

Inhibitory action of dipyrone on rat thyroid peroxidase and lactoperoxidase activities.

Previous studies have shown that phenylbutazone, another pyrazolone, inhibits thyroid peroxidase activity and interferes with iodide organification. We have developed "in vitro" studies with rat particulated peroxidase and lactoperoxidase (LPO) to study the effects of dipyrone upon thyroid peroxidase and to determine the type of inhibition. The 3-monoiodothyrosine (MIT) and 3,5-diiodothyrosine (DIT) synthesis was markedly affected by 6 X 10(-4) M dipyrone with inhibitions of 59% and 30% respectively. No difference was observed with lower concentrations. Inhibition of peroxidase activity (Triiodide assay) was found when crude rat peroxidase preparations and LPO were incubated with dipyrone in concentrations ranging from 10(-3) M to 10(-8) M, with a Ki of 2.5 X 10(-5) M and 4 X 10(-5) M respectively. Guaiacol peroxidation was scarcely affected by the action of the drug; 10(-3) M produced inhibition of 50%. Line weaver-Burk: plots were used to investigate the inhibition of LPO activity by dipyrone. The inhibition by the drug was competitive with the iodide. We may conclude that dipyrone and other drugs of the pyrazolone group act upon peroxidase activity "in vitro", by an inhibition of competitive type and in presence of iodide.

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.

Effect of cycloheximide on iodothyronine formation in vitro.

The unique inhibitory effect of cycloheximide (CH) on the coupling of iodotyrosines was examined in vitro. Rat thyroid lobes were incubated for 8 h under our improved condition. In the presence of 10(-4) - 10(-3) M CH, the per cent uptake of 131I decreased, proportionate synthesis of [131I]MIT increased slightly, and that of [131I]T4 or [131I]T3 decreased markedly. The incorporation of medium 127I into T4 or T3 during the 8 h incubation period decreased markedly, but was fairly constant into MIT and only slightly decreased into DIT. Thus the inhibitory effect of CH seemed more prominent on iodothyronine formation than on iodotyrosine formation in this in vitro system. Inhibition of formation of newly labelled iodothyronines seemed to occur almost in parallel with the inhibition of [3H]amino acid incorporation into the thyroidal soluble protein. However, the coupling of iodotyrosines prelabelled in the absence of CH did not seem to be affected by CH. The presence of 10(-4) M CH induced the Wolff-Chaikoff effect at a lower iodide concentration than that which occurred in the absence of CH, suggesting that CH sensitized the Wolff-Chaikoff effect. However, the organification of 127I and T4 synthesis were markedly reduced in the presence of CH even before the apparent Wolff-Chaikoff effect was initiated. These results give further support to out contention that prethyroglobulin is more important for organification of iodide than pre-existing thyroglobulin. We conclude that CH reduces coupling efficiency indirectly, probably by inhibiting the formation of prethyroglobulin with a favourable structure for coupling.

Studies on the deiodination of 3,3',5'-T3 (reverse T3) to 3,3'-T2 (diiodothyronine) in rat liver.

Properties of the deiodination reaction of rT3 to 3,3' T2 in rat liver homogenate are reported and compared with T4 to T3 conversion under similar conditions. pH optimum and SH-group dependency of these two reactions are quite different, though both are concerned with 5' deiodination. The most potent activator of the reaction rT3 to T2' is dithiothreitol; the enzyme activity increases almost linearly even at very high concentration of this compound (the same is true for mercaptoethanol). Glutathione and coenzyme A, show only small activating effects. T4 to T3 and rT3 to T2' converting is being induced almost parallel in thyrectomized rats substituted with T4 or T3.

Sequential deiodination of thyroxine to 3,3'-diiodothyronine via 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine and 3,3',5'-triiodothyronine in rat liver homogenate. The effects of fasting versus glucose feeding.

The characteristics of thyroxine (T4) deiodination to 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3) and 3,3',5'-triiodothyronine (rT3) and of each of the latter to 3,3'-diiodothyronine (3,3'T2) were examined in rat liver homogenate. Each of the four reactions was enzymatic in nature, demonstrating pH and temperature optima, and tissue and time dependence. All reactions were considerably augmented (greater than 10-fold) by the presence of a thiol agent. At pH 7.2 with 2 muM T4 as substrate, rT3 generation was 3.3 +/- 0.44 (S.E.) and T3 formation was 4.8 +/- 0.57 pmol/min/100 mg of homogenate protein. Fasting for 72 h resulted in a significant inhibition of T4 deiodination, compared to that in the glucose-fed animals, in a 2% homogenate preparation. Enzyme activity for T4 to T3 was reduced by 54% (p less than 0.05) in the homogenate from the fasted rats. Fasting lowered the enzyme activity of T4 to rT3 by 56% (p less than 0.05). Although the monodeiodination of T3 to 3,3'-T2 was also significantly depressed (p less than 0.01) by fasting, rT3 deiodination to 3,3'-T2 was not. The in vitro additon of 5 mM dithioerythritol did not reverse the effect of fasting on any reaction. These results demonstrate that a 72-h fast significantly impairs the sequential deiodination of T4 in liver homogenate. The effect of fasting appears to be mediated mainly through a reduction in enzyme concentration rather than co-factor availability.

Iodoamino acid synthesis in thyroid lobes in vitro with excellent yield of iodothyronines.

Thyroid lobes of male Sprague-Dawley rats on an iodine-sufficient diet were incubated in our improved in vitro system with 0.01 microM 127I and 5mU/ml of bovine TSH. Thyroidal 131I-uptake and the relative incorporation of iodine into iodothyronines increased with time. The average yield of each iodoamino acid after 8 h of incubation was: monoiodotyrosine 28.0%, diiodotyrosine 46.5%, triiodothyronine 1.9% and thyroxine 13.9%, which showed a striking resemblance to the values obtained in vivo. The yields of iodotyrosines and iodothyronines, the latter in particular, were strikingly high, and this system is considered to be useful in the study of thyroidal iodine metabolism. Effects of TSH, temperature and pH of the medium were examined and a unique effect of pH was observed on the iodoamino acid synthesis. As the pH was elevated from 6.8 to 7.9, 131I-uptake, MIT/DIT ratio, T4/DIT ratio and T3/T4 ratio increased. The effect of slightly alkaline pH was considered to be similar to that observed in iodine-deficiency. It was found that the rubber stoppers which are commonly used in short-term incubation contain a kind of potent inhibitor of thyroid hormone synthesis. The pattern of inhibition was similar to that of thionamide compounds.

Monodeiodination of 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine and 3,3',5'-triiodothyronine to 3,3'-diiodothyronine in vitro.

To study conversion of 3,5,3'-triiodothyroinine (T3) and 3,3',5'-triiodothyronine (rT3) to 3,3'-diiodothyronine (T2) in vitro, T3 or rT3 was incubated at pH 7.35 with homogenates of several rat tissues (liver, kidney, muscle, heart, ling, spleen, intestines, and brain) for 15 min at 37 C. The T2 generated during incubation was measured in an ethanol extract of the incubation mixture by a specific RIA of T2; T4, T3, and rT3 cross-reacted in the T2 RIA only to an extent of 0.006, 0.2, and 0.04%, respectively. T2 was produced regularly when T3 or rT3 was incubated with liver or kidney homogenates; other tissues generated little or no T2 under similar conditions. Studies with liver homogenates revealed that production of T2 from both T3 and rT3 was influenced significantly by tissue and substrate concentractions, temperature, pH and duration of incubation. T3- as well as rT3-monodeiodinating activities were unaffected by large doses (greater than or equal to 3 micrometer) of sodium iodide, diiodotyrosine, and methimazole, but were inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by propylthiouracil, iodiacetic acid, and dinitrophenol. The apparent Km for conversion of T3 to T2 approximated 6.0 micrometer and that for conversion of rT3 to T2' 65 nM. Propylthiouracil and iodoacetic acid inhibited conversion of both T3 and rT3 to T2 in an uncompetititve and a non-competitive manner, respectively. The various data suggest that 1) monodeiodination of T3 and rT3 to T2 is enzymic in nature; 2) liver and kidney may be the major sites of metabolic transformations of T3 and rT3 to T2.