¹²⁵I Uptake Competing with Iodine Absorption by the Thyroid Gland following Povidone-Iodine Skin Application

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Povidone-iodine solution is widely used to disinfect the skin surface or prevent suppuration during human and animal surgery. Using radioisotope ¹²⁵I, we examined whether iodine may be absorbed and then concentrated in the thyroid gland when povidone-iodine solution is applied to the skin of rats or mice. The competition for ¹²⁵I uptake was examined in mice and rats after the application of povidone iodine to the skin. We also traced the process of absorbed ¹²⁵I in the thyroid gland during the fixation for tissue preparations. Povidone-iodine applied to the skin significantly reduced the uptake of ¹²⁵I both in mice and rats. Significant flux of ¹²⁵I from the thyroid gland in povidone-iodine treated animals was noted during the thyroid fixation of tissue preparations. From these results, povidone-iodine application to the skin instead of stable KI administration may be practical for preventing the uptake of ¹²⁵I by the thyroid gland during ¹²⁵I compound administration for medical therapy. In animal experiments concerning thyroid functions, careful attention must be paid when povidone-iodine is used for disinfection in animal surgery.