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Nuclear triiodothyronine receptor binding characteristics and occupancy in obese (ob/ob) mice

Journal Article · · Am. J. Physiol.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5301064

Obese (ob/ob) mice exhibit reduced adaptive thermogenesis associated with an impairment of thyroid hormone action. The mechanism underlying the latter defect was investigated by comparing the binding characteristics and occupancy of solubilized nuclear 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T/sub 3/) receptors from livers of lean and obese mice. T/sub 3/ concentration was measured by radioimmunoassay. Scatchard analysis showed minimal differences in B/sub max/ and K/sub d/ between phenotypes at both 4 and 8-10 wk of age, indicating that reduced hepatic thyroid hormone expression in obese mice is not caused by alterations in nuclear receptor concentration or affinity. In contrast, nuclear T/sub 3/ receptor occupancy (endogenous T/sub 3/ associated with the specific receptor divided by B/sub max/) was 14 and 23% lower in 4- and 8- to 10-wk old obese mice, respectively. Together with reported changes in hepatic thyroid hormone-sensitive enzymes, these data are consistent with a diminished nuclear T/sub 3/ signal initiating thyroid hormone action in obese mice. Decreased nuclear T/sub 3/ receptor occupancy may be secondary to a low transport of plasma T/sub 3/ to the nuclear pool. In conclusion, impaired hepatic thyroid hormone action in obese mice is mediated in part at least by a reduction in nuclear T/sub 3/ receptor occupancy.

Research Organization:
Michigan State Univ., East Lansing
OSTI ID:
5301064
Journal Information:
Am. J. Physiol.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. J. Physiol.; (United States) Vol. 252:3; ISSN AJPHA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English