[Effect of obsidan on blood electrolyte content in toxic goiter]

The effect of obsidan, mercazolil and their combinations on the plasma and erythrocytic potassium and sodium content as well as on the plasma calcium and magnesium concentration was studied under clinical conditions in 107 patients with a visceropathic stage of toxic goitre. Obsidan was given orally in a dose of 1.5 to 2 mg/kg and mercazolil in a dose of 0.5 mg/kg daily within 10 successive days. Obsidan treatment led to an increase in plasma and erythrocytes of the potassium concentration and plasma magnesium content, while the level of sodium in plasma and erythrocytes as well as of plasma calcium reduced. Mercazolil treatment (control group) exerted no significant effect on the test characteristics. It is concluded that obsidan effect on the blood calcium and sodium concentration is mediated through its action on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.