HYPERACTIVITY OF HYPOTHALAMIC NEUROSECRETION AND COINCIDENTAL OCCURRENCE OF THYROID ENLARGEMENT FOLLOWING ADMINISTRATION OF METHYLTHIOURACIL

Abstract

Changes in hypothalamic neurosecretion were observed and brought into comparison with the development of goiter in response to the administration of methylthiouracil.
Development of goiter followed two phases, viz., acute intial phase and later chronic phase. In the acute phase of goiter development, thyroid does not grow linealy, but shows a temporary growth followed by gradual decline. Such a condition was learned to develop in parallel with a temporary increase in the secretory activity in hypothalamic nuclei, especially in the supraoptic nucleu
Hyperactivity of supraoptic neurons was observed to be preceded by a remarkable occurrence of red pyknosis of the nucleus and significant acidophily of the perikaryon, the phenomenon being considered to represent certain physiological processes called forth in the face of acute demand of neurosecretory activity. In some of the cells, in which cytoplasmic basophilia are lacking as the consequence of hyperactivity, a characteristic activity of nuclear secretion was observed.