Abstract
Objective—To identify within guanosine triphosphate–binding proteins (G proteins) the subset of inhibitory G proteins (Gi) that have decreased expression in adenomatous thyroid glands obtained from hyperthyroid cats.
Sample Population—Adenomatous thyroid glands obtained from 5 hyperthyroid cats and normal thyroid glands obtained from 3 age-matched euthyroid cats.
Procedure—Expression of Gi1, Gi2, and Gi3 in enriched membrane preparations from thyroid glands was quantified by use of immunoblotting with Gi subtype-specific antibodies.
Results—Expression of Gi2 was significantly decreased in tissues of hyperthyroid glands, compared with expression in normal thyroid tissue. Expression of Gi1 and Gi3 was not significantly different between normal thyroid tissues and tissues from hyperthyroid glands.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—A decrease in Gi2 expression decreases inhibition of adenylyl cyclase and allows a relative increase in stimulatory G protein expression. This results in increased amounts of cAMP and subsequent unregulated mitogenesis and hormone production in hyperthyroid cells. Decreased Gi2 expression may explain excessive growth and function of the thyroid gland in cats with hyperthyroidism. (Am J Vet Res 2005;66:1478–1482)
