Selective inhibitory effects of thyroid hormones on estrogen-induced protein synthesis in chick embryo liver.

We have investigated the effect of thyroid hormones on estrogen-induced responses in embryonic chick liver. Administration of thyroid hormones inhibits estrogen induction of vitellogenin, as well as of apoprotein-II of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL apo-II). A proportionate decrease in the concentration of hepatic salt-soluble nuclear estrogen receptor is also observed. In contrast, estrogen stimulation of apoprotein-B (VLDL apo-B) synthesis is relatively resistant to inhibition. The inhibitory effects of the thyroid hormones could be due to increased metabolism and clearance of estradiol-17 beta in their presence. The relative resistance of estrogen-induced VLDL apo-B synthesis to thyroid hormone inhibition can be explained by its greater sensitivity to low doses of estradiol. In addition, experiments with the antithyroid agent thiourea suggest that, in vivo, estrogen-induced responses could be balanced by the selective inhibitory effects of thyroid hormones.