Goiter Studies with the Rat

Abstract

A ration is reported which will produce an iodine deficiency in the white rat. Definite enlargement, redness, and histological changes were noted in the thyroid glands of the rats on the basal ration and on the basal plus 0.5 μg. of iodine per rat per day. The addition of 1.0 and 2.0 μg. of iodine per day to the basal ration largely corrected the glandular enlargement. The pathological changes in the thyroids were partially prevented by 1.0 μg. of iodine per day; however, 2.0 μg. resulted in almost complete prevention of pathological changes. No differences in growth or food consumption were noted between the basal group and the groups on the iodine supplements.