[Effect of T3 on the expression of transferrin receptor and ferritin in K562 cells and its possible mechanism].

Objective: To explore the effect of T(3) on the expression of transferrin receptor (TfR) and ferritin (Fn) in K562 cells and its possible mechanism.

Methods: Flow cytometry was used for the detection of TfR expression, radioimmunoassay for Fn expression, RNA/protein band shift assay for the binding activity of iron regulatory protein (IRP) and iron responsive elements (IRE), and RT-PCR for TfR and Fn mRNA levels.

Results: Different concentration of T(3) significantly increased Fn expression of K562 cells, especially at 100 nmol/L and 200 nmol/L (p < 0.05). However, T(3) had no effect on TfR expression. T(3) decreased the binding activity between IRP and IRE, particularly at concentration of 50 nmol/L. Different concentration of T(3) increased Fn-H mRNA level at different time point while it had no effect on TfR mRNA level.

Conclusion: T(3) increased Fn expression of K562 cells through the possible mechanisms of either the post-transcriptional regulation or transcriptional modulation.