THYROID RESPONSE TO TOTAL BODY X-IRRADIATION

Abstract
The changes in thyroid and serum I131 content (inorganic and organic) of rats, after total body X-irradiation at 1000 r (LD-100/6-8 days), indicate a stimulation of thyroid activity within 2 hrs. after irradiation, after which time until the 6th day there is a progressive decrease in activity. These alterations in functional activity of the thyroid may possibly be due to systemic changes caused by the radiation and are probably mediated through the hypophysis. Possible interpretations of the findings are discussed.