Hypothyroidism in transgenic mice expressing IFN-γ in the thyroid

P. Caturegli, M. Hejazi, K. Suzuki, O. Dohan, N. Carrasco, L. D. Kohn, N. R. Rose

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

98 Scopus citations

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 languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1719-1724
Number of pages6
JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Volume97
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 15 2000

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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