The effect of thyroxine, the antithyroid drug propylthiouracil and thyroidectomy on mineral metabolism in rat tissues.

The administration of thyroxine produces a significant increase in the copper, magnesium, iron and zinc contents of liver, with a concomitant decrease of heart iron. Magnesium in heart tissues was also increased. The administration of antithyroid drugs produces a significant decrease in the concentration of the same metals in the liver with concomitant increases in kidney copper and calcium, and in heart magnesium and calcium. Brain magnesium was found to be significantly decreased after antithyroid treatment and increased to a lesser extent after thyroxine administration. Thyroidectomy did not produce an appreciable effect on minerals in various tissues, except heart zinc which was significantly decreased. These findings suggest the involvement of thyroid hormones in tissue mineral metabolism, especially in the liver.