SECRETION AND ADENYLATE-CYCLASE IN THYROID NODULES

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 102  (7) , 381-386
Abstract
Thyrotropin (TSH)- and NaF-sensitive adenylate cyclase (AC) activity was measured in 10 [human] cases of cold thyroid nodules and compared with perinodular tissue. Findings were correlated with the ultrastructure of the nodular and perinodular tissue. Comparisons of the results of assay studies revealed an increase of basal and NaF- and TSH-stimulated AC activity in cold lesions. There was no dissociation of NaF- and TSH-sensitive AC. Ultrastructural findings disclosed a lack of correlation between elevated AC activity and the expected organelle profile indicative of stimulation. Since organelle modulations that are associated with increased protein synthesis were not observed in the face of increased AC activity, an unknown intracellular defect may exist in the expression of the AC-cyclic AMP system in cold thyroid nodules.