Protirelin (thyrotropin-releasing hormone) in thyroid gland: possible involvement in regulation of thyroid status
Smyth, D.G.; del Rio-Garcia, J.; Wallnöfer, H.; Gogl, H.; Simma, W.; Huber, A.; Embacher, R.; Fraser, H.; Kreil, G.
Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao 20(4): 289-291
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0253-9756 PMID: 10452110 Document Number: 509348
AIM: To establish the presence of the hypothalamic hormone protirelin (thyrotropin-releasing hormone, TRH) in human thyroid and to investigate whether the concentration of this peptide in the thyroid gland is sensitive to thyroid status. METHODS: A procedure has been developed for the determination of TRH in the thyroid gland, distinct from TRH-like peptides which also react with TRH-antibody. RESULTS: Human thyroid was shown to contain both authentic TRH and TRH-like peptides, a similar pattern was seen in a range of animal thyroids. The concentrations of TRH in non-active goiter thyroids were substantial (41.6 - 248 pmol cntdot g-1); in contrast the thyroids from hyperthyroid patients contained very little TRH (0.01 - 2.52 pmolcntdotg-1). CONCLUSION: The physiologic role of TRH in the thyroid is not known but the large difference between the concentrations of this hormone in non-active and hyperactive thyroids suggests that thyroidal TRH may be involved in the regulation of thyroid status.