Expression of the apical iodide transporter in human thyroid tissues: A comparison study with other iodide transporters

Ludovic Lacroix, Thierry Pourcher, Claire Magnon, Nicolas Bellon, Monique Talbot, Tosak Intaraphairot, Bernard Caillou, Martin Schlumberger, Jean Michel Bidart

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    52 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Iodide transport by thyrocytes involves two transporters, namely the Na+/I- symporter located at the basolateral pole and possibly pendrin in the apical membranes of the cell. Recently, we identified a human gene and its protein product, designated hAIT, as a putative new transporter involved in iodide transfer across the apical membrane of thyrocytes. In the present report, we analyzed both hAIT gene and protein expressions in a large series of benign and malignant human thyroid tissues. Using immunohistochemistry, hAIT staining was detected in normal thyroid tissue in about 10% of follicles; in positive follicles, 10-40% of thyrocytes, mostly the tall cells, were stained. In thyroid tissues obtained from patients with Graves' disease and toxic adenomas, hAIT mRNA and protein levels were similar to those found in normal tissue. In hypo-functioning adenomas, hAIT mRNA levels were slightly decreased, and apical iodide transporter (AIT) immunostaining was similar to that observed in normal thyroid tissue. AIT staining was stronger in Hürthle cell adenomas and in microfollicular adenomas. In thyroid carcinomas, the mean and median hAIT mRNA levels were significantly decreased. Expression of AIT protein was undetectable in most papillary carcinomas and was weak but detectable in most follicular carcinomas; it was negative in anaplastic carcinomas.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)1423-1428
    Number of pages6
    JournalJournal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
    Volume89
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2004

    Cite this