Covalent cross-linking of secreted bovine thyroglobulin by transglutaminase.

Extracellular storage of thyroglobulin (TG) is a prerequisite for maintaining constant levels of thyroid hormones in vertebrates. Storage of TG within the follicle lumen is achieved by compactation and by the formation of covalent cross-links between TG molecules. In bovine thyroids, approximately 75% of the cross-links are other than disulfide bonds (J.