The Use of Lithium in the Treatment of Thyrotoxicosis

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Abstract

Since lithium has been shown to inhibit release of iodine from the thyroid, we have investigated its therapeutic potential in thyrotoxicosis. Eight detailed 131I kinetic studies were performed on seven thyrotoxic women and data was analyzed using a computer program. Lithium at serum levels of about 1 mEq liter decreased the loss of 131I from the thyroid, led to a fall in serum 131I levels and diminished urinary 131I excretion. Computer simulation of the lithium effect required, in every case, that lithium inhibit hormonal and nonhormonal thyroid iodine release. In five cases a second lithium effect was required for a satisfactory fit of the model soluton with observed data: namely, an inhibition of hormone disappearance from serum.

Authors

R. Temple, M. Berman, J. Robbins, J. Wolff