Compensatory changes in thyroid blood flow are only partially mediated by thyrotropin.

It has been shown that the compensatory growth of the thyroid gland and the compensatory increase in hormone secretion that occur after hemithyroidectomy are preceded by a dramatic increase in thyroid blood flow (BF). These alterations in the thyroid remnant may be due to the concomitant increase in plasma thyrotropin (TSH) concentrations. It has been suggested, however, that the compensatory thyroid growth may also involve a neural reflex. In this study we have investigated the role of TSH in mediating the compensatory alterations in thyroid BF and mass after subtotal thyroidectomy. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized with ether for surgical or sham hemithyroidectomy. One-half of the hemithyroidectomized rats (HTX) received no further treatment; in the other one-half of the HTX rats (Clamp), plasma TSH levels were maintained at levels comparable with those in sham-operated animals by initiating constant thyroid hormone replacement beginning at the time of hemithyroidectomy. Plasma samples for TSH, 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine, and thyroxine radioimmunoassays were obtained 2, 7, 14, and 21 days after surgery. Thyroid BF was determined at 1, 2, and 3 wk after surgery by the reference sample version of the radioactive microsphere technique (141Ce, 15 microns diameter). Plasma TSH levels and thyroid lobe weight were significantly elevated in HTX rats but not in Clamp rats. Thyroid BF was markedly increased in HTX rats. Thyroid BF was also significantly increased in Clamp rats despite the suppression of the rise in plasma TSH concentration, but this increase was less than that in HTX rats. Neither hemithyroidectomy nor Clamp treatments had any effect on arterial blood pressure or BF to other tissues (e.g., kidney).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)