Hypothalamic nitric oxide synthase gene expression is regulated by thyroid hormones

We investigated the effects of thyroid status on nitric oxide synthase (NOS) gene expression in the rat hypothalamic paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic nuclei (SON). Propylthiouracil (PTU)-induced hypothyroidism in male rats produced a highly significant reduction in NOS gene transcripts in the PVN and SON, as assessed by quantitative in situ hybridization histochemistry with a specific oligodeoxynucleotide probe. The addition of T3 (40 micrograms/kg) to the PTU-containing diet completely prevented the reduction in NOS transcripts. Hyperthyroidism, induced by adding 160 micrograms/kg T3 to the food, more than doubled the prevalence of NOS transcripts in the PVN and SON after a similar time. Up-regulation of NOS gene transcripts induced by the osmotic stimulus of chronic salt loading was markedly attenuated by PTU-induced hypothyroidism. These results demonstrate a major effect of thyroid status on regulation of NOS gene expression in the hypothalamus.