RÔLE OF NUTRITION IN RESPONSE OF BLOOD LIPIDS TO THYROIDECTOMY*1

Abstract

The influence of nutritional state upon the response of cholesterol, total fatty acid, phospholipid and total lipid of the dog to thyroidectomy was investigated. The high levels of blood lipids produced by extirpation of the thyroid glands in the dog are dependent upon nutritional state. The rise of cholesterol esters and total fatty acids was inhibited by fasting or by limitation of the caloric intake. Refeeding for as short a period as 5 days was sufficient to reestablish high lipid levels in the thyroidectomized dog. Fluctuations in the lipid level of the blood in response to alterations in caloric intake were observed as late as 1 yr. after thyroidectomy. The response of blood lipids to alterations in caloric intake was compared in normal and thyroidectomized dogs.