[Functional status of the thyroid gland and blood cholesterol levels of donors]

The levels of protein-bound iodine (PBI), cholesterol, F factor, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) were studied by a radioimmunoassay in the blood serum of 204 workers and employees (128 males and 76 females) as primary donors and 146 experienced donors (84 males and 62 females) aged 18 to 59 in the city of Frunze. In the primary donors PBI, cholesterol, F factor, T4 and T3 levels in the blood serum were within normal for healthy persons. In the experienced donors T3 and T4 levels in the blood were significantly elevated and a cholesterol level was lowered suggesting an increase in thyroid function. Certain correlation was established between a rise of the level of the thyroid hormones and a drop of the level of cholesteremia. It was concluded that blood giving stimulated thyroid function and lowered the blood cholesterol content.