The synthesis and release of TSH in the thyroidectomized rat: c) the effect of T3 on hypothyroidism of varying duration

Abstract

Abstract. The effect of thyroid hormones on TSH synthesis and release from the anterior pituitary of the rat, at the various stages of hypothyroidism was studied by injecting L-Triiodothyronine (T3) iv (1.5 μg/100 g b.w.) to rats 5 days and 3 months post thyroidectomy (Tx-5d and Tx-3m rats). The changes in plasma and pituitary TSH levels, as well as in the metabolic clearance rate (MCR) of the TSH were followed for 3 days after the T3 injection. From these data TSH synthesis and release rates were determined. TSH release was inhibited in both experimental groups between 3 and 24 h after the injection. TSH synthesis was suppressed in the Tx-5d group to 35% of the initial value. However in the Tx-3m group it was stimulated to approximately 270%, 24 h after the T3. The data suggest that thyroid hormones may affect the synthesis of TSH in two opposite pathways, the first through the stimulation of protein synthesis and the second, inhibitory, as part of the feedback mechanism. Under short-term hypothyroidism, when protein synthesis is not yet diminished, the administration of thyroid hormones results in the inhibition of both TSH synthesis and release through the feedback regulation. In prolonged hypothyroidism, however, when protein synthesis is depressed, the effect of thyroid hormones on the stimulation of TSH synthesis predominates.