Abstract
In vitro studies of nuclear binding of triiodothyronine (T3) in lymphocytes were performed in 3 members of a family with hereditary peripheral resistance to thyroid hormone action. Ficoll-Hypaque purified lymphocytes were used; the binding characteristics were analyzed by Scatchard''s methods. In 5 euthyroid subjects the apparent mean equilibrium association constant (Ka) was 6.1 .times. 109 l/mol and the mean maximal binding capacity (Cap) 14.4 .times. 10-15 mol/100 .mu.g DNA. In the 3 members of the family one single set of saturable T3 nuclear binding sites with affinity constants similar to those in the controls (mean Ka = 3.2 .times. 109 l/mol; mean Cap = 17.4 .times. 10-15 mol/100 .mu.g DNA) were found. The glucagon stimulated increase in plasma cAMP was studied in 6 healthy subjects and the 4 members of the family. The plasma cAMP levels of the patients with hormone resistance were generally within the normal range. In these patients with peripheral resistance to thyroid hormone binding of T3 to the receptor in the nucleus of lymphocytes is normal; in relation to the high circulating thyroid hormone levels, the thyroid hormone mediated cAMP response is disturbed, suggesting that the defect is at the post-receptor effector level.

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