In the present study we evaluated the enzyme responsible for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generation in porcine and human thyroid glands. First, we analyzed the biochemical properties of the hydrogen peroxide generating enzyme (NADPH-oxidase), localized in the apical membrane of porcine thyroid cells. Our results showed that the H2O2 generating activity in porcine thyroids occurs mainly in the apical membrane fraction (P 3.000g). In the porcine P 3.000g, thyroid NADPH-oxidase was partially calcium-dependent; however, in a purified porcine thyroid membrane fraction the enzyme is completely calcium-dependent, as previously determined. These data agree with those already reported for the porcine enzyme. In humans, H2O2 generation occurred both in the microsomal (P 100.000g) and in the apical membrane fractions (P 3.000g). Our data reveal that NADPH-oxidase seems to be as active in human thyroid glands as in porcine thyroids; both are activated by phosphate and calcium in high concentrations. Furthermore, the human NADPH-oxidase is completely calcium-dependent and requires flavine adenine dinucleotide (FAD) in the reaction mixture, suggesting the human NADPH-oxidase to be a flavoenzyme, as the porcine protein.
Hydrogen peroxide; NADPH-oxidase; Porcine thyroid; Human thyroid
