Hypothyroidism induced by polychlorinated biphenyls and up-regulation of transthyretin

Bull Environ Contam Toxicol. 2010 Jan;84(1):66-70. doi: 10.1007/s00128-009-9890-6. Epub 2009 Oct 6.

Abstract

Polychlorinated biphenyls are environmental pollutants that are toxic to many biological systems. This study examined whether or not PCB126 and PCB114 have adverse effects on the serum thyroxine level and the serum proteome in rats. The results showed a lower serum total thyroxine level in the PCB126 and PCB114-treated groups than the control. Western blotting showed that the levels of transthyretin expression were significantly higher in the PCB-treated group than the control group. These results suggest that the PCB-mediated hypothyroidism is caused by the displacement of thyroxine from transthyretin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Hypothyroidism / chemically induced*
  • Male
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls / toxicity*
  • Prealbumin / genetics
  • Prealbumin / metabolism*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Thyroxine / blood
  • Up-Regulation / drug effects*

Substances

  • Prealbumin
  • 2,3,4,4'5-pentachlorobiphenyl
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls
  • Thyroxine
  • 3,4,5,3',4'-pentachlorobiphenyl