A COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTS OF THIOURACIL AND THYROIDECTOMY ON SOME PHASES OF METABOLISM IN THE RAT

Abstract

Both thiouracil feeding (0.2% of diet) and surgical thyroidectomy reduced food and water consumption and inhibited body growth of rats. These effects occurred more rapidly and were more pronounced in the thyroidectomized group. Thyroidectomy and thiouracil depressed O2 consumption to approximately similar levels. Thiouracil feeding resulted in an increased, and thyroidectomy in a decreased urine output. Normal values for all metabolic phases studied in the thioura-cil-treated animals were attained quickly after interruption of treatment. The temporary continued release of preformed hormone from the thyroid glands of thiouracil-treated animals together with the diuretic action shown by this drug probably explain the differences encountered in the 2 groups of rats.