[Goitrogens of vegetable origin as possible aetiological factors in endemic goiter (author's transl)].

Ingestion of unsoaked cassava is followed by an increase of the thiocyanate production in men and in rats. Even a moderate increase of serum SCN concentration induces, in chronic conditions, a clearcut goitrogenic effect characterized by the aggravation of the effects of a preexisting iodine deficiency. The mechanism of the antithyroid action of SCN at low concentrations, lies in an acceleration of the exit rate of thyroidal iodide; this effect cannot be identified by the usual clinical investigation with Iodine131.