Increased sensitivity of the thyroid in iodine-depleted rats to the goitrogenic effects of thyrotropin

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Abstract
The present studies demonstrate that iodine depletion increases the sensitivity of the thyroid to the goitrogenic effects of thyrotropin. Iodine depletion was induced by feeding rats a low iodine diet containing propylthiouracil for 10-14 days before hypophysectomy. Accumulation of iodine in the thyroid after hypophysectomy was prevented by continuing the antithyroid drugs in the diet. Doses of thyrotropin as low as 3 mU/100 g of body weight per day produced significant thyroid enlargement in 3-7 days in iodine-depleted rats. Adding propylthiouracil or perchlorate to the diet during treatment with thyrotropin did not reduce or augment the goitrogenic response to thyrotropin in iodine-depleted rats. Increasing the level of circulating iodide also did not reduce the goitrogenic response to thyrotropin. The increased sensitivity of the iodine-depleted thyroid gland may provide an explanation for the development of thyroid enlargement without requiring an increased level of circulating thyrotropin.