Hypothyroidism in transgenic mice expressing IFN-γ in the thyroid
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.
- Publication:
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Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
- Pub Date:
- February 2000
- DOI:
- 10.1073/pnas.020522597
- Bibcode:
- 2000PNAS...97.1719C
- Keywords:
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- Immunology