EFFECT OF ENDOTOXIN FEVER ON PLASMA-CLEARANCE OF THYROXINE AND TRI-IODOTHYRONINE - CONCISE COMMUNICATION

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 23  (3) , 241-244
Abstract
Endotoxin(Escherichia coli)-induced fever in rabbits causes a rapid decrease in serum T3 [thyroxine-3], a reciprocal rise of 3,3'',5''-tri-iodothyronine (rT3) and a less marked reduction in T-4 [thyroxine-4] with a rebound at 24 h. To answer the question whether the alteration in hormone levels was the result of a decrease in T3 or T4 production and release or of an increase in T3 and T4 metabolism, the disappearance of [125I]T4 and [125I]T3 during endotoxin-induced fever and externally applied heat was measured. No significant difference in disappearance of [125I]T4 or [125I]T3 was seen. The rapid change in T3 levels associated with endotoxin fever is probably due to an inhibition of thyroid production and peripheral conversion, and not to increased metabolism of hormones.

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