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Horm Metab Res 1990; 22(10): 521-523
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1004962
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© Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart · New York

Permanent Alterations in the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid Axis in the Rat Following Phenytoin Exposure In Utero

T. J. Theodoropoulos, M. A. Pappolla, O. S. Goussis, J. C. Zolman, D. M. Benson
  • Departments of Medicine and Pathology, VA Medical Center, Montrose, New York
  • New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York
  • University of Texas, Galveston, Texas, U. S. A.
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Publication History

1989

1990

Publication Date:
14 March 2008 (online)

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Summary

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.

Key words

Phenytoin and Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone - Phenytoin and Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone - Phenytoin and Thyroid Function