Abstract
We have attempted to determine whether blood concentrations of the α chains of TSH arise by direct pituitary secretion of α chain or by degratation of the intact hormone after secretion. Highly purified human TSH was administered by infusion to euthyroid volunteers; blood TSH concentrations were raised to 36 μu/ml. After TSH infusion, circulating blood α chain concentrations did not change. The same volunteers received an infusion of TRH which stimulated pituitary secretion of TSH, raising blood concentrations to 15 μ/ml in one series of subjects and to 23 μu/ml in a second series. After TRH, blood concentrations of α chain increased from undetectable to over 400 pg/ml. We conclude that α subunits of TSH are directly secreted by the pituitary gland and are not formed by degradation of intact TSH in the peripheral circulation.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 525-530 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Clinical Endocrinology |
Volume | 4 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 1975 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
- Endocrinology