Human Serum Thyrotrophin Level and Response to Thyrotrophin-Releasing Hormone in the Aged

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Abstract
170 healthy volunteers were investigated, and the clinical and biochemical conditions of selection specified. The fasting morning level of serum thyrotrophin (TSH) was determined in all volunteers and found unchanged within the age interval 18–94 years, independent of sex. This is in disagreement with results obtained by other investigators who found an increase of TSH in old age. The implications of the criteria of selection are discussed. Nycterohemeral rhythm was studied in 16 persons. Rhythmic variation was an inconstant finding, and the pattern in the young could not be distinguished from that in the old. The TSH response to thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH) was determined in 53 persons of various ages and found unrelated to age. Nonetheless, the lowest responses were observed in the aged, but the difference was not statistically significant. Possible physiological interpretations of an unaltered TSH secretion in spite of an age-related decrease in thyroid function are discussed.

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