[Effect of chronic stress during pregnancy on the thyroid status of mother and progeny].

The effect of chronic stress (electric stimulation) in the second half-period of pregnancy on the status of the hypophyseothyroid system of mother and her progeny was studied. Experiments were staged on 100 pregnant rats and their progeny aged 20 days, 1, 2, 3 and 6 mos. The content of thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3) and thyrotropic hormone (TTH) in the blood of mother (in the midterm and at the end of pregnancy) and progeny was determined by a radioimmunoassay. Chronic stress during pregnancy led to a decrease in the level of thyroid hormones by the end of pregnancy, the decrease being more significant than that in controls. In the progeny of experimental rats higher T4 content (as compared to that in controls) was accompanied by a lowered level of T3 indicating a decrease in the metabolism of thyroid hormones. These changes were most noticeable at early stages of development but were preserved till puberty. Thus chronic stress during pregnancy led to a decrease in the content of thyroid hormones in the mother's blood, an increase in thyroid function of progeny, and a decrease in its general thyroid status.