RELATIVE INCREASE OF SERUM REVERSE-T3 IN PATIENTS WITH HYPO-THYROIDISM

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 39  (5) , 387-391
Abstract
In 17 hypothyroid patients serum T3 [triiodothyronine]:r[reverse]T3 ratio was 7.5 .+-. 1.1, which was significantly lower than in control subjects (12.2 .+-. 0.6; P < 0.001). In hypothyroidism, the organism might shift conversion of T4 [thyroxine] from biologically active T3 to biologically inactive rT3 which may not be a defense mechanism of the body, as it was found in chronic systemic illnesses.