Enhanced thyroxine metabolism in hexachlorobenzene-intoxicated rats

J Endocrinol Invest. 1989 Dec;12(11):767-72. doi: 10.1007/BF03350056.

Abstract

The effect of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) (1 g/kg bw) administration for 4 weeks, on thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) metabolism was studied in Wistar rats. The effect on serum binding of T4 has also been studied. Animals were injected with a tracer dose of either labeled hormone and by examining serum L-125I-T4 and L-125-I-T3, kinetics of radiolabeled hormones metabolism were calculated. The T4 metabolic clearance (MCI) as well as the distribution space, were increased by 6 fold. Decreased serum T4 levels result from an increase both in deiodinative and fecal disposal in HCB-treated rats. 125I-T3 metabolism was slightly affected. The enhanced peripheral disposition of thyroxine appears to lead to increased thyroid function, as measured by augmented TSH serum levels and 125I-thyroidal uptake. Serum binding of T4 was not affected.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood Proteins / metabolism
  • Chlorobenzenes / toxicity*
  • Female
  • Hexachlorobenzene / toxicity*
  • Iodine Radioisotopes
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred Strains
  • Thyroid Gland / metabolism
  • Thyroxine / blood
  • Thyroxine / metabolism*
  • Triiodothyronine / blood
  • Triiodothyronine / metabolism

Substances

  • Blood Proteins
  • Chlorobenzenes
  • Iodine Radioisotopes
  • Triiodothyronine
  • Hexachlorobenzene
  • Thyroxine