Coexpression of functionally active receptors for thyrotropin and platelet-derived growth factor in human thyroid carcinoma cells.

In the present study we show the simultaneous expression of functionally active receptors for TSH and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in a newly established human anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cell line, HTh 74. In Northern blot analysis of RNA extracted from HTh 74 cells a low expression of both TSH and PDGF receptor messenger RNA was found. These observations in conjunction with the fact that the cells contain cytokeratin clearly demonstrate that the cells are bona fide epithelial thyroid cells. Stimulation of HTh 74 cells with TSH led to a concentration-dependent increase in cAMP formation, showing a functional activity of the TSH receptors. Northern blot analysis, immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence staining, and binding experiments showed the presence of both alpha- and beta-type PDGF receptors in the HTh 74 cells. The functional activity of the PDGF receptors was demonstrated by ligand-induced internalization of the receptors and PDGF-induced growth of the HTh 74 cells. The significance of the expression of PDGF receptors on thyroid epithelial cells is not clear. However, it might reflect the gain of a new growth stimulatory pathway participating in the transformation of the epithelial thyroid cells. Alternatively, the PDGF receptors may be remnants from an immature progenitor cell from which the undifferentiated carcinoma has evolved.