Dependence of beta-adrenergic responsiveness on thyroid state of male rats

The dose of thyroxine (0-150 micrograms/kg body weight) administered subcutaneously daily to surgically thyroidectomized male rats was correlated significantly with their metabolic activity as assessed by rate of oxygen consumption and colonic temperature. There was a significant dose-dependent increase in total serum thyroxine, triiodothyronine and reverse-triiodothyronine concentrations with increasing doses of thyroxine administered. The cardiostimulatory response to administration of isoprenaline (8 micrograms/kg body weight s.c.) was also correlated directly with the dose of thyroxine administered. The concentration of cardiac beta-adrenoceptors in these animals was correlated significantly with total serum thyroxine and triiodothyronine concentrations, basal heart rate, and the chronotropic response to administration of isoprenaline.