Action of peripheral or intrathyroidal lymphocytes on autologous thyrocytes cultured in follicles in collagen gel

in Journal of Molecular Endocrinology
Authors:
C Massart
Search for other papers by C Massart in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
J Gibassier
Search for other papers by J Gibassier in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
M L Raoul
Search for other papers by M L Raoul in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
F Le Gall
Search for other papers by F Le Gall in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
G Lancien
Search for other papers by G Lancien in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
N Genetet
Search for other papers by N Genetet in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
A Denais
Search for other papers by A Denais in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
F Darcel
Search for other papers by F Darcel in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
C Lucas
Search for other papers by C Lucas in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
View More View Less
Restricted access

USD  $0.01
USD  $0.01

USD  $0.01
USD  $0.01

USD  $1.00
USD  $1.00

USD  $0.01
USD  $0.01

USD  $0.01
USD  $0.01

USD  $0.01
USD  $0.01

USD  $0.01
USD  $0.01

USD  $0.01
USD  $0.01

USD  $0.01
USD  $0.01

USD  $0.01
USD  $0.01

USD  $1.00
USD  $1.00

USD  $1.00
USD  $1.00

USD  $1.00
USD  $1.00

USD  $1.00
USD  $1.00

USD  $1.00
USD  $1.00

ABSTRACT

We have studied the action of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) and intrathyroidal lymphocytes (ITLs) on the biochemical and hormonal metabolism of autologous thyrocytes cultured in follicles in a collagen gel. The production of tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in culture was also measured. Thyroid tissues and lymphocytes were obtained from ten patients with Graves' disease and from five control subjects. Lymphocyte-induced cytotoxicity was evaluated in autologous thyrocytes cultured in a collagen gel by several tests: neutral red uptake, lactate dehydrogenase activity and glutathione level. Hormonal metabolism was assessed by evaluating tri-iodothyronine (T3) and total cAMP production under TSH stimulation. TNF-α levels were measured in supernatants after 5 days of coculture. PBLs altered biochemical metabolism, T3 synthesis and cAMP production in autologous thyroid follicles. These inhibitions were greater than those obtained with ITLs. No difference was seen between cells obtained from patients with Graves' disease and those from normal subjects. TNF-α levels secreted by PBLs were higher than those secreted by ITLs. The concentrations of this cytokine decreased in coculture. Significant correlations were observed between the decrease in biochemical and hormonal parameters and TNF-α levels. Exogenous TNF-α and high doses of interferon γ inhibited follicle metabolism, especially hormone secretion.

In conclusion, thyrocytes cultured in follicles provide a more sensitive model than monolayer cultures for analysis of lymphocyte-induced interactions. Lymphocytes gradually inhibit the biochemical and hormonal metabolism of autologous thyroid follicles depending on the isolation method. These alterations may be particularly attributed to TNF-α secreted by lymphocytes. The cytokine-induced inhibition of thyroid hormonal function apparently involves the adenylate cyclase system.