The perchlorate discharge test for examining thyroid function in rats

A perchlorate discharge test was developed for rats to detect changes in the thyroidal iodide accumulation and organification mechanisms. Rats were pretreated with compounds that alter thyroid function by different mechanisms: SK&F 93479 (an H2-antagonist that enhances pituitary thyroid stimulating hormone drive by increasing thyroid hormone clearance) and propylthiouracil (an inhibitor of iodide organification). Six hours following administration of 125I, either potassium perchlorate (10 mg/kg x 2.5 min) or saline was given i.p. Perchlorate significantly reduced the thyroid: blood 125I ratio in propylthiouracil-treated rats but had no effect in those pretreated with SK&F 93479, indicating an iodide organification block in the former. At the same time thyroidal radioiodide accumulation in SK&F 93479-treated rats (no perchlorate) was enhanced, whereas that in propylthiouracil-treated animals (no perchlorate) was depressed.