Hypothyroidism induces type 2 iodothyronine deiodinase expression in mouse heart and testis

In the present study we show the expression profiles of both type 1 and type 2 iodothyronine deiodinases (D1 and D2) in a wide spectrum of mouse tissues, and D2 regulation by thyroid status. A characteristic tissue-specific expression for each isoform was observed. D2 transcripts were detected in most tissues with variable levels of expression. The observed D2 mRNA tissue distribution was similar to that described in rats and is in agreement with the view of different patterns of expression between rodents and humans. However, it is interesting to note that despite the low levels of D2 transcripts in mouse heart and testis in the euthyroid state, the induction of hypothyroidism caused a significant increase in D2 activity in these tissues. Similar results were also obtained in adult rats. These results suggest a previously unrecognized role for type 2 deiodinase in controlling intracellular triiodothyronine levels in rodent heart and testis during states of thyroid hormone deficiency.