ALTERATIONS IN BIOLOGIC OXIDATION IN THYROTOXICOSIS

Abstract

A great deal of evidence has accumulated to indicate that the thyroid gland is a part of an integrated system which regulates biologic oxidations. The nervous system, the pituitary gland and the cells and fluids of the body are other important entities in this system (chart 1). Disturbance in any one of these units may affect the functions of the others. For example, removal of the pituitary gland results in decreased function of the thyroid gland, the body cells and the nervous system. Removal of the thyroid leads to increased production of the thyrotropic hormone and to decreased activity of the body cells and the nervous system. Conversely, with thyrotoxicosis or the feeding of thyroid there is stimulation of the nervous system and the metabolism of the body cells. Alterations in biologic oxidations of the cells have been demonstrated to exert an effect on the segments of the system shown