THE EFFECT OF CERTAIN ANIONS UPON THE ACCUMULATION AND RETENTION OF IODIDE BY THE THYROID GLAND*

Abstract

The monovalent anions perchlorate, chlorate, hypochlorite, periodate, iodate, biiodate, and nitrate share with thiocyanate the properties of inhibiting collection and of interfering with retention of the iodide ion within the thyroid glands of rats chronically treated with propylthiouracil. A dose response study revealed perchlorate to be 10 times and nitrate 1/30 as potent as thiocyanate in discharging iodide previously collected by the thyroid; the other anions appeared to occupy positions of intermediate potency. The capacity of these agents to prevent the collection of iodide by the thyroid approx. paralleled their iodide discharging action. Rats treated with perchlorate for 17 days developed hyperplastic, colloid-depleted, low-I goiters. These changes were as marked as those resulting from propylthiouracil ingestion. In contrast, rats treated with nitrate developed only minor degrees of hyperplasia and a slight reduction of thyroidal I concns.