TTF1 GENE-EXPRESSION IN HUMAN PROLIFERATING THYROID-DISEASES

TTF1 mRNA expression in the thyroid gland from 30 patients with thyroi d proliferating diseases and 4 healthy donors used as normal controls was investigated using Northern blot analysis. Six patients affected b y malignant thyroid carcinomas and six patients with adenoma were exam ined; moreover 18 patients with non malignant proliferating disease su ch as multinodular goiters were investigated. Determination of TTF1 mR NA revealed a significant decrease of the steady state mRNA levels in carcinomas and adenomas as compared to normal tissues. On the contrary , in patients affected by multinodular goiters variations were observe d that seemed not to be directly associated with the pathological cond itions.