Methylmercury Inhibition of Type II 5'-deiodinase Activity Resulting in a Decrease in Growth Hormone Production in GH3 Cells

We have recently reported that methylmercury (MeHg) inhibits type II iodothyronine 5'-deiodinase (D2) activity in mouse neuroblastoma NB41A3 cells. In the present study, we determined the biological significance of D2 inhibition by MeHg. GH3 rat pituitary tumor cells were treated with MeHg and D2 activity and production of a thyroid hormone-responsive gene product, growth hormone (GH) were analyzed. MeHg inhibited D2 activity and decreased thyroxine (T4)-induced, but not 3,3',5-triiodothyronine (T3)-induced GH secretion in GH3 cells. Our results suggest that MeHg inhibition of D2 activity might be involved in the inhibition of GH production in GH3 cells. Thus, D2 inhibition could be a novel mechanism involved in MeHg toxicity.