Influence of thyroparathyroidectomy and thyroxine replacement on Cu and Zn cellular distribution and on the metallothionein level and induction in rats

• Published in: Biological trace element research Vol. 32; p. 281
• Main Authors: Leblondel, G, Le Bouil, A, Allain, P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.01.1992
• Subjects: Animals; Copper - blood; Copper - pharmacokinetics; Eating; Male; Metallothionein - biosynthesis; Metallothionein - metabolism; Parathyroid Glands - physiology; Parathyroidectomy; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Thyroid Gland - physiology; Thyroid Hormones - pharmacology; Thyroidectomy; Thyroxine - pharmacology; Tissue Distribution; Zinc - blood; Zinc - pharmacokinetics
• ISSN: 0163-4984
• DOI: 10.1007/BF02784612

Thyroid hormones are involved in copper and zinc distribution in rat tissues. We examined the influence of thyroparathyroidectomy (TPTY) and of a replacement therapy by T4 on Cu and Zn organ distribution. MT levels were also measured both in basal conditions and after induction by cadmium. The results confirm that a lack of T4 modified Cu and Zn in serum and tissues. In serum, TPTY increased Cu (+15%) and ceruloplasmin (+18%), and decreased Zn (-18%). In tissues, Cu was altered in liver (+13%), kidney (-24%), heart (-16%) duodenum (-18%), and Zn in liver (+25%) and kidney (-10%). The soluble fractions (100,000 g supernatant) were mainly affected in liver and kidney, and the subcellular fractions in heart and duodenum. MT levels were modified in basal conditions only in liver (+57%) and kidney (-36%). T4 administration partially prevented the effect of TPTY on both elements and MT concentrations. Therefore, no evidence is provided for a direct role of T4 in the metabolism of MT in a way comparable to the effects of glucocorticoids. However, MT could mediate the consequences of TPTY on metal distribution in certain organs, such as liver and kidney.