GROWTH RESPONSE OF THYROIDECTOMIZED GOATS TO ARTIFICIALLY FORMED THYROPROTEIN1

Abstract

Young [male] goats were thyroidectomized between the 5th and 24th day of life. Complete growth stasis together with typical symptoms of cretinism was noted by the 1st to 2d mo. postoperative. Replacement therapy with an artificial thyroprotein formed by the iodinization of skim milk was given in graded doses of 0.3 g. to 1.0 g. daily to 4 thyroidectomized oo and 2 thyroidectomized [male][male] On the lower doses the physical symptoms of cretinism were arrested with little effect on the growth rate. The higher dosage levels arrested the development of cretinism and in addition stimulated growth approaching the normal. Within the range of dosage covered, growth was roughly proportional to the amt. of thyroprotein given. The artificial thyroproteins used evidently have a physiologic activity fully comparable to that of thyroid substance. The possibility of utilizing artificial thyroproteins in animal pro- duction practices was discussed, and the technique of thy-roidectomy in the goat was described.