THE EXTERIORIZATION OF THE THYROID GLAND AND MEASUREMENT OF ITS FUNCTION

Abstract

SUMMARY: A new method for obtaining thyroid venous blood from an essentially undisturbed ewe has been developed. A lobe of the thyroid gland is transferred to the outside of the neck, in a carotid artery—jugular vein loop. The remaining lobe is removed. The secretory function of the exteriorized lobe has been shown to be normal by ¹³¹I studies, measurement of protein bound iodine, response to T.S.H. and histological examination. Cannulation of the jugular vein near the thyroid vein allows continuous or interrupted sampling of thyroid venous blood, the jugular flow being occluded by pressure.