Abstract
Subclinical hypothyroidism, characterized by an isolated rise in TSH serum levels
with normal thyroid function, is a pro-inflammatory state associated with insulin
resistance. Adipocytes express TSH receptors, but it is not known if TSH can directly
inhibit insulin signaling. Using primary human differentiated adipocytes, we examined
the effects of TSH on insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation, and whether conventional
PKC (cPKC) were involved. The effect of insulin on TSH-stimulated lipolysis was also
investigated. TSH inhibited insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation in adipocytes by
54%. TSH activated cPKC, and Gö6976, a PKCα and -β1 inhibitor, prevented the inhibitory
effect of TSH on the insulin response. Insulin reduced the ability of TSH to activate
cPKC and to stimulate lipolysis.
Our data reveal novel interactions between TSH and insulin. TSH inhibits insulin-stimulated
Akt signaling in a cPKC-dependent fashion, whereas insulin blocks TSH-stimulated cPKC
activity and lipolysis. TSH and insulin act on differentiated human adipocytes to
modulate their respective intracellular signals.
Key words
Akt - protein kinase C - lipolysis