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Lifelong alterations in endocrine function resulting from brief perinatal hypothyroidism in the rat

J L Bakke, N L Lawrence, S Robinson

    The Journal of Laboratory and Clinical Medicine
    |July 1, 1976
    PubMed

    Insights

    Brief perinatal hypothyroidism in rats, induced by propylthiouracil (PTU), caused developmental delays and hormonal imbalances. This highlights potential risks of antithyroid drugs during pregnancy.

    Area of Science:

    • Endocrinology
    • Developmental Biology
    • Reproductive Science

    Background:

    • Perinatal hypothyroidism can impact long-term physiological development.
    • Antithyroid drugs like propylthiouracil (PTU) are used to manage maternal thyroid conditions during pregnancy.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the late consequences of a short period of perinatal hypothyroidism in rats.
    • To assess the effects of prenatal and/or neonatal exposure to PTU on rat development and endocrine function.

    Main Methods:

    • Rats were exposed to PTU either prenatally to dams or neonatally to pups for 5 days.
    • Evaluated developmental milestones (eye opening, weaning weight, puberty, estrus cycles).
    • Assessed thyroid gland size, and concentrations of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH), and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH).

    Main Results:

    • Perinatal hypothyroidism led to delayed eye opening, reduced weaning weight, delayed puberty, and prolonged estrus cycles.
    • Neo-PTU rats exhibited enlarged thyroid glands with elevated TSH levels.
    • Adult male neo-PTU rats showed a blunted response to TRH, indicating secondary/tertiary hypothyroidism.

    Conclusions:

    • Brief perinatal hypothyroidism has significant long-term developmental and endocrine consequences.
    • Caution is advised regarding antithyroid drug use in pregnant women.
    • Pregnant hypothyroid women require comprehensive replacement therapy.

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