Thyroid hormone and metabolism of glycosaminoglycans in rabbits
Devi, C.S.; Kurup, P.A.
Indian Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics 12(1): 43-46
1975
ISSN/ISBN: 0301-1208 PMID: 128518 Document Number: 95509
The results of studies of the effect of thyroid hormone and the thyroid inhibitor thiouracil on glycosaminoglycans (GAG) in skin, liver and aorta are summarised. Since the metabolism of GAG is disturbed in atherosclerosis the effect of the thyroid is of special importance. White female rabbits were used as experimental animals. The estimation of GAG is described. Fractions distinguished were hyaluronic acid, heparan sulphate, the chondroitin sulphates A, C and B, and heparin. A number of related enzymes also were estimated; their effect on the formation and degradation of GAG, as influenced by thyroxine and thiouracil, did not appear to be so definite as to suggest causal importance. In the aorta thyroxine significantly reduced hyaluronic acid, heparan, the chondroitin sulphates and heparin. Thiouracil increased hyaluronic acid, heparan sulphate and heparin, but had no effect on the chondroitin sulphates. Changes in the liver were, in some respects, different and the effects of thyroid and thiouracil were not consistently opposite. No definite conclusion is drawn.