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

在南极洲的长期居住与甲状腺激素经济的深刻变化有关。Reed博士先前的研究结果表明，在南极麦克默多居住42周后，人垂体促甲状腺激素(TSH)对下丘脑释放激素(TRH)的反应性增加了50%，三碘甲腺原氨酸(T3)产生率(PR)、代谢清除率(MCR)和分配体积(TVD)分别增加了150%、160%和230%。这些变化的机制以及它们的生理和心理意义目前尚不清楚。在这项建议中，研究人员将继续这一领域的研究，调查人类循环血淋巴细胞作为人体组织对长期居住在南极的甲状腺激素变化的反应的模型。在南极居住42周之前、期间和之后，将分离循环淋巴细胞(在组织水平上准确地反映系统的甲状腺活动)。然后将分析这些淋巴细胞的核T3受体数量和/或亲和力以及T3受体前体信使RNA的变化，以确定与前面描述的外周T3 TVD、PR和MCR变化相关的伴随的细胞和亚细胞变化。

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.