Abstract
IFN-γ has been implicated with contradictory results in the pathogenetic process of autoimmune (Hashimoto's) thyroiditis, the most common cause of hypothyroidism in adults. To test whether the local production of IFN-γ can lead to thyroid dysfunction, we have generated transgenic mice that express constitutively IFN-γ in the thyroid follicular cells. This expression resulted in severe hypothyroidism, with growth retardation and disruption of the thyroid architecture. The hypothyroidism derived from a profound inhibition of the expression of the sodium iodide symporter gene. Taken together, these results indicate a direct role of IFN-γ in the thyroid dysfunction that occurs in autoimmune thyroiditis.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1719-1724 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America |
Volume | 97 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 15 2000 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General