SIGNIFICANCE OF TRIIODOTHYRONINE FOR THYROID HORMONE SUPPLY DURING STIMULATION

Abstract

ABSTRACT The metabolism of the two thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) and particularly the T4/T3 ratio was studied by the 131I technique in rats and rabbits during stimulation. Both exogenous TSH and experimentally increased endogenous TSH (secondary to the partial inhibition of thyroid function by sodiumperchlorate) caused a change in the T4/T3 ratio in favour of T3. This response of thyroid hormone production (in rats) and secretion (in rabbits) was found at different times after the use of 131I. It depended on the intensity of the direct or indirect thyrotrophic stimulation. From this observation it is suggested that the synthesis and the secretion of the biologically more effective T3 is more markedly increased during stimulation than is T4 probably in order to compensate more successfully for deficiencies in the peripheral thyroid hormone supply.