ABSTRACT
The iodine metabolism was investigated in 29 patients with euthyroid non-endemic diffuse goiter. 1 to 14 days before thyroidectomy the patients received carrier-free 131I. The chemical iodine fractions (PBI, BEI and iodide) of the thyroid and the labelled iodine compound were analyzed by means of paper- and column chromatography. In one gland the total iodine content varied only by ± 19.6% of the average, the relative shares of PBI, BEI and iodide as well as that of the iodoamino acids being equal. Monoiodotyrosine, diiodotyrosine and thyroxine were found in the thyroid homogenate without hydrolysis.
The homogenate after hydrolysis contained more iodotyrosines at the expense of iodothyronines than do normal glands. 17 goiters with normal 131I-uptake showed a high total iodine content (14.2 ± 5.0 mg) whilst 9 goiters with an increased 131I-uptake had low values (3.58 ± 0.6 mg). The opposite was found for the relative shares of BEI with the chromatographically isolated iodothyronines thyroxine, triiodothyronine and an unidentified iodine compound. Goiters with »high plasma PB131I« were characterized by a faster transfer of 131I into the more heavily iodinated compounds than is found in glands with a normal hormonal secretion rate. The highest values for the iodothyronines were found in goiters with increased 131I-uptake together with a high hormonal secretion rate. From this study it appears that the changes in the iodine-poor glands are due to a defective exo- or endogenous iodine supply. The observed alterations in iodine-rich glands are probably induced by a faulty iodine utilization characterized by an incomplete iodotyrosyl-coupling defect.
Comparison of normal down-flow column and new radial-flow column on rapid separation of proteins in egg white.
