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The thyroid function and size in healthy man during 3 weeks treatment with beta-adrenoceptor-antagonists
L Kayser1, H Perrild, U Feldt-Rasmussen
1Dept. of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology F, Herlev University Hospital, Denmark.
Hormone and Metabolic Research = Hormon- Und Stoffwechselforschung = Hormones Et Metabolisme
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Beta-adrenoceptor antagonists like atenolol and propranolol can affect thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in young men. These changes in TSH were not clinically significant for thyroid function evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Beta-adrenoceptor antagonists are commonly prescribed.
- Their impact on thyroid function, specifically TSH and thyroid volume, remains understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of atenolol, metoprolol, and propranolol on serum TSH levels and thyroid volume.
- To determine if these effects are clinically relevant.
Main Methods:
- A placebo-controlled study involving 32 young, non-smoking males.
- Treatment with atenolol, metoprolol, or propranolol for 3 weeks.
- Measurement of serum TSH levels using a supersensitive method and thyroid volume.
Main Results:
- Serum TSH levels transiently increased after 1 week of atenolol and propranolol treatment.
- After 3 weeks, TSH levels returned to baseline with atenolol but decreased with propranolol.
- No significant changes in thyroid volume were observed, except a slight increase with atenolol.
- TSH changes were not correlated with thyroid hormone concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Beta-adrenoceptor antagonists can influence serum TSH levels.
- The observed changes in TSH and thyroid volume are unlikely to interfere with clinical thyroid function assessment.
- Further research may be needed to elucidate the mechanisms behind TSH modulation by these drugs.