ALTERATION OF THYROID FUNCTION BY ACTH AND CORTISONE*

Abstract

RECENT observations have indicated that both ACTH and cortisone produce an alteration in the function of the normal thyroid gland. Hill, Reis, Forsham and Thorn (1) have noted a decrease in the radioiodine accumulation gradient, a depression of the basal metabolic rate and a decrease in the serum protein-bound iodine concentration during ACTH therapy. Hardy, Riegel and Erisman (2) also noted a decrease in the level of the serum protein-bound iodine. Money et al. (3) observed a decrease in thyroid weight and thyroidal radioiodine accumulation in rats. Wolfson et al. (4) have confirmed the results reported by Hill, Reiss, Forsham and Thorn and used the term “corticogenic hypothyroidism” to designate these changes. In an attempt to evaluate further the changes in thyroid function during ACTH or cortisone therapy, we have determined the 48-hour radioiodine excretion, the basal metabolic rate, and the levels of total and free serum cholesterol, before, during and after ACTH and cortisone administration.