Dyshormonogenetic goiter: presence of an inhibitor of normal human thyroid peroxidase.

A dialyzable, thermostable inhibitor of normal thyroid peroxidase (TPO), with UV absorption maximum at 250-260 nm, was found in the digitonized, washed particulate fraction of two dyshormonogenetic goiters. No intrinsic TPO iodide-oxidation activity was detectable in either of these goiters, and their TPO iodination activity was below the method sensitivity threshold, even after dialysis. These findings could be explained by an absent or abnormal TPO associated with the synthesis of a TPO-inhibitor, or by the irreversible inhibition of a normal enzyme by the inhibitor.