Studies on Endemic Goitre III an Investigation of the Antithyroid Aotivities of Isothiocyanates and Derivatives With Observations on Fractions of Milk From Goitrous Areas

Abstract

Certain isothiocyanates and thioureas, in particular 3-methylsulphonylpropyl isothiocyanate (cheirolin) and dicheirolin thiourea, were tested for their antithyroid activity by an acute 1311 test and by chronic administration to rats. Cheirolin proved more active in the acute test than n-propyl isothiocyanate, but dicheirolin thiourea, the major product resulting from the incubation of cheirolin with rumen liquor, was without activity, whereas di-n-propylthiourea had a marked effect. Dicheirolin thiourea was also inactive when tested in the human. The response to cheirolin when chronically administered, either as such or in the form of its thioglucoside present in turnip weed fruit, appeared to be less than in the acute test. Its possible mode of action is discussed.