A differential nuclear uptake and retention of 3H-androgens in the thyroids of baboons.
Women have a greater incidence of autoimmune thyroiditis, thyroid cancer and radiation-induced carcinogenesis than men. Over the past several years we have examined for the presence of steroid receptors in both humans and non-human primates. In this study we examined the nuclear uptake and retention of 3H-testosterone, the main circulating androgen in mammals, in different cells of the thyroid gland of baboons, our non-human primate model. Castrated-adrenalectomized male baboons were injected with 3H-testosterone (1 microgram/kg bw) and killed 1 1/2 h later. The thyroid glands and other tissues were removed and processed for autoradiography. Nuclear localization of 3H-testosterone or one of its metabolites was found in a small fraction of the follicular cells (approximately 10-20%). The discrepancy between these findings and those previously obtained with 3H-dihydrotestosterone (virtually 100% of the follicular cells concentrated the 3H-steroid) are discussed. The results from this study and those of the past strongly support a direct action of androgen on the thyroid. Whether a direct action of androgen on the thyroid is related to smaller incidence in autoimmune thyroiditis, thyroid cancer and radiation-induced carcinogenesis in men than women remains an unanswered question at the present time.
Sheridan
P J
PJ
Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio 78284.
Aufdemorte
T B
TB
Triplett
R G
RG
Holt
G
G
Martin
P M
PM
D000728:Androgens / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D000818:Animals; D001345:Autoradiography; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D008297:Male; D010215:Papio / Q000378:metabolism*; D012834:Silver; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000032:analysis / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D014316:Tritium
D000728:Androgens; D014316:Tritium; D012834:Silver