ACID MUCOPOLYSACCHARIDE IN THE THYROID GLAND*

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Abstract
Acid mucopolysaccharide was demonstrated in thyroid tissue and its concentration measured by carbazole and orcinol determinations of the hexuronic-acid component. One lobe of the thyroid gland of each of 8 dogs was removed surgically, studied histologically, and analyzed chemically. In 6 of these dogs, the second lobe was removed after thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) had been administered subcutaneously for two to three days; the 2 dogs not treated with TSH served as controls. Chemical assay demonstrated an increase in mean values for hexuronic-acid in mucopolysaccharide of 61 per cent after 20 units of TSH given over a two-day period, 115 per cent after 30 units of TSH given over a three-day period, and 70 per cent after 40 units given over a two-day period, using the carbazole determination. Mean increases of 58, 95 and 82 per cent, respectively, were found using the orcinol determination. Histologically, these glands showed approximately a 40 per cent increase in follicular cells, a 40 per cent decrease in colloid, but no noticeable change in the area occupied by stroma. Mast cells increased in number and size and were concentrated around vessels in the lobes removed after treatment with TSH. Twenty-seven specimens of human thyroid gland were obtained at the time of surgical removal. No consistent relationship was demonstrated between mucopolysaccharide content and the nature of the thyroid disease.