Cell experiment:

Thyroid hormone depleted (Td) serum is prepared. The growth of hepatocarcinoma cells in methylcellulose is performed. To determine the effect of Liothyronine (T3) on the growth of cells, cells are plated at a density of 3 × 104 cells/60 mm dish on day 0, and incubated in medium containing 5% regular serum, 5% Td or 5% Td and 100 nM T3. The colony formation in methylcellulose is scored 3 weeks after initial plating[1].

Liothyronine sodium is an active form of thyroid hormone, which binds to β1 thyroid hormone receptor (TRβ1), and activates its activity.

Liothyronine (T3, 100 nM) stimulates the proliferation of hepatocarcinema cells in which TRβ1 is overexpressed[1]. Liothyronine binds to human β1 thyroid hormone receptor (hTRβ1), and change its conformation. Liothyronine promotes growth, induces differentiation and regualtes metabolic effects[2].

References:
[1]. Lin KH, et al. Stimulation of proliferation by 3,3',5-triiodo-L-thyronine in poorly differentiated human hepatocarcinoma cells overexpressing beta 1 thyroid hormone receptor. Cancer Lett. 1994 Oct 14;85(2):189-94.
[2]. Bhat MK, et al. Conformational changes of human beta 1 thyroid hormone receptor induced by binding of 3,3',5-triiodo-L-thyronine. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1993 Aug 31;195(1):385-92.