Nuclear Thyroid Hormone Receptor Binding in Human Mononuclear Blood Cells after Goitre Resection

Summary

Nuclear thyroxine and triiodothyronine receptor-binding in human mononuclear blood cells were examined in 14 euthyroid persons prior to and 1, 6, 24 and 53 weeks after goitre resection. One week after resection decreased serum T₃ from 1.47 nmol/l to 1.14 nmol/l (P < 0.05), FT₄I from 103 a. u. to 94 a. u. and SHBG from 80 nmol/l to 69 nmol/l (P < 0.05) followed after 6 weeks by a rise in serum TSH from 1.2 mU/l to 11.0 mU/l (P < 0.05) suggesting an initial slight hypothyroidism. Nuclear receptor-binding of T₄ and T₃ increased within one week and eventually decreased to preresectional values.

We conclude that the expected alteration of the metabolic state caused by resection of the gland is opposed by increased nuclear binding of T₄ and T₃.

Key-Words

Goitre - Thyroid Resection - Thyroxine Receptors - Triiodothyronine Receptors