Isotopic Studies of the Body Potassium Content in Thyrotoxicosis.

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Abstract
A radioactive isotope of K (K42) was used to determine the exchangeable K content (Ke) in 13 subjects (6 males and 7 females) with untreated thyrotoxicosis. The Ke values were lower in untreated thyrotoxic males (18.8-28.4 meq./kg.) than in normal male subjects (35.6-53.6 meq./kg.). In contrast, the values for Ke/wt. in untreated women were within the normal range (21.4-36.0 meq./kg.), with 1 exception. This sex difference is attributed to the dissimilarity in body composition normally found between males and females. It is postulated that in women mild or early thyrotoxicosis decreases the relative fat content of the body. Muscle tissue is extensively catabolized only after the store of fat has been depleted.