The mammalian thyroid gland contains two different parenchymal cell types. One type, follicular cells are of endodermal origin and produce the hormones thyroxine and tri-iodothyronine. The second type, parafollicular cells are of neural crest origin and produce the peptide hormones, calcitonin and somatostatin as well as the biogenic amine, serotonin. The two types of parenchymal cells are contained within the basal laminae of thyroid follicles and are connected by desmosomes. We propose, as a working hypothesis, that this close spatial relationship between follicular and parafollicular cells is functionally meaningful and evolved to subserve the role of facilitating parafollicular to follicular cell communication. We further propose that the biogenic amine, serotonin, is secreted by parafollicular cells and serves as the messenger of intercellular communication. A corrollary of the overall hypothesis is that the parafollicular cells retain neuron-like properties, resemble serotonergic neurons, and function as para-neurons. Several specific aims will be tested in the proposed research. (1) What is the mechanism of serotonin storage in parafollicular cells? This will be determined by determining whether serotonin, somatostatin, calcitonin and serotonin binding protein (SBP) are all stored together in the same subcellular granules or vesicles of parafollicular cells using cell separation and fractionation methods. (2) How does serotonin accumulate in parafollicular cell granules? This will be studied (i) by examining the role of the protonmotive force hypothesis and serotonin uptake and (ii) by determining if serotonin exists as a complex with SBP within parafollicular cells under physiological conditions in vivo. (3) We will also test to determine if Ca++, the natural parafollicular cell secretogogue, or TSH, release SBP along with serotonin and calcitonin. Moreover, we will like to determine if a portion of SBP is retained on the plasma membrane of secreting parafollicular cells using electron microscope immunocytochemical methods and do secretory granule recycle. (4) We also propose to study where are the serotonin receptors on follicular cells that are responsible for serotonin's activation of these cells using radioligands and pharmacological manipulative procedures. We will also test to determine if parafollicular cell secretion produces a response in adjoining follicular cells and is this response mediated by serotonin. Knowledge of basic secretory mechanisms of parafollicular cell activity will help to enhance understanding the role of this rare cell type in thyroid physiology.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01DK019743-13
Application #
3226531
Study Section
Endocrinology Study Section (END)
Project Start
1979-05-01
Project End
1989-04-30
Budget Start
1988-05-01
Budget End
1989-04-30
Support Year
13
Fiscal Year
1988
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Columbia University (N.Y.)
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
064931884
City
New York
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10027
Tamir, H; Hsiung, S C; Liu, K P et al. (1996) Expression and development of a functional plasmalemmal 5-hydroxytryptamine transporter by thyroid follicular cells. Endocrinology 137:4475-86
Tamir, H; Liu, K P; Adlersberg, M et al. (1996) Acidification of serotonin-containing secretory vesicles induced by a plasma membrane calcium receptor. J Biol Chem 271:6441-50
Tamir, H; Piscopo, I; Liu, K P et al. (1994) Secretogogue-induced gating of chloride channels in the secretory vesicles of parafollicular cells. Endocrinology 135:2045-57
Wade, P R; Tamir, H; Kirchgessner, A L et al. (1994) Analysis of the role of 5-HT in the enteric nervous system using anti-idiotopic antibodies to 5-HT receptors. Am J Physiol 266:G403-16
Tamir, H; Liu, K P; Hsiung, S et al. (1994) Serotonin binding protein: synthesis, secretion, and recycling. J Neurochem 63:97-107
Cumaraswamy, A; Borges, M; Tamir, H et al. (1993) Cloning of a cDNA encoding sheep calcitonin from a thyroid C-cell library. Gene 126:269-73