Corridor Aerogeophysics of the Southeastern Ross Transect Zone (CASERTZ), Antarctica

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Prolonged residence in Antarctica is associated with profound changes in thyroid hormone economy. Results from previous research by Dr. Reed have shown that human pituitary thyrotropin (TSH) responsiveness to hypothalamic releasing hormone (TRH) is increased by 50%, and triiodothyronine (T3) production rate (PR), metabolic clearance rate (MCR), and volume of distribution (TVD), are increased 150%, 160%, and 230% respectively over paired control values after 42 weeks residence in McMurdo, Antarctica. The mechanisms for these changes, and the physiologic and psychological significance of them are at present unknown. In this proposal, the investigator will continue studies in this area by investigating the human circulating blood lymphocyte as a model for the human tissue response to alterations in thyroid hormones found with prolonged Antarctic residence. Circulating lymphocytes (which accurately reflect systemic thyroid activity at the tissue level) will be isolated before, during, and after 42 weeks of Antarctic residence. These lymphocytes will then be analyzed for changes in nuclear T3 receptor number and/or affinity, and the T3 receptor precursor messenger RNA, in order to determine concomitant cellular and sub-cellular alterations associated with the changes in peripheral T3 TVD, PR and MCR as previously described.