Biosynthesis of 3-Iodothyronamine (T1AM) Is Dependent on the Sodium-Iodide Symporter and Thyroperoxidase but Does Not Involve Extrathyroidal Metabolism of T4

Abstract

Abstract 3-Iodothyronamine (T1AM) is an endogenous thyroid hormone derivative with unknown biosynthetic origins. Structural similarities have led to the hypothesis that T1AM is an extrathyroidal metabolite of T4. This study uses an isotope-labeled T4 [heavy-T4 (H-T4)] that can be distinguished from endogenous T4 by mass spectrometry, which allows metabolites to be identified based on the presence of this unique isotope signature. Endogenous T1AM levels depend upon thyroid status and decrease upon induction of hypothyroidism. However, in hypothyroid mice replaced with H-T4, the isotope-labeled H-T3 metabolite is detected, but no isotope-labeled T1AM is detected. These data suggest that T1AM is not an extrathyroidal metabolite of T4, yet is produced by a process that requires the same biosynthetic factors necessary for T4 synthesis.