STUDY OF THE EXTRATHYROIDAL EFFECTS OF THYROID-STIMULATING HORMONE*†

Abstract
Determination of total body fat by the body specific gravity technique revealed no change in body composition after giving thyroid stimulating hormone in 2 myxedematous subjects. Other metabolic studies, including measurement of blood lipids, ketones, pyruvic acid, amino N and urinary excretion of N and electrolytes, failed to show any significant effects from TSH. It is concluded that TSH exerts a significant metabolic effect only when functioning thyroid tissue is present.