Phenytoin exposure in utero results in permanent alterations of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid
axis in the rat. The DPH exposed animals have decreased weight gain, thyroxine and
triiodothyronine concentrations. In addition, they have blunted thyroid-stimulating
hormone responses to thyrotropin-releasing hormone, propylthiouracil challenge or
thyroidectomy. The diminished pituitary response in these animals is similar to that
reported in neonatal thyrotoxicosis in the rat. This may be due, in part, to structural
similarities between phenytoin and the thyroid hormone.
Phenytoin and Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone - Phenytoin and Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone
- Phenytoin and Thyroid Function