Excess iodide induces an acute inhibition of the sodium/iodide symporter in thyroid male rat cells by increasing reactive oxygen species.

Na+/I- symporter (NIS) mediates iodide (I-) uptake in the thyroid gland, the first and rate-limiting step in the biosynthesis of the thyroid hormones. The expression and function of NIS in thyroid cells is mainly regulated by TSH and by the intracellular concentration of I-. High doses of I- for 1 or 2 days inhibit the synthesis of thyroid hormones, a process known as the Wolff-Chaikoff effect.