IMPAIRED DOPAMINERGIC CONTROL OF THYROID STIMULATING HORMONE SECRETION IN CHRONIC RENAL FAILURE

Abstract
After administration of i.v. metoclopramide, a dopaminergic receptor blocking agent, no rise in TSH could be found in patients with chronic renal failure, in contrast to nonuremic controls. Basal TSH values were normal in the uremic patients but the TSH response to TRH was significantly reduced. A discrete abnormality in the hypothalamo-pituitary axis apparently exists in uremia which may in part be due to interference with central dopaminergic control by uremic toxin.