Changes in serum thyroglobulin levels during the TRH test in euthyroid female patients with diffuse and nodular goiters

: Concentrations of thyroglobulin (Tg) in the sera of 48 euthyroid females of different ages suffering from diffuse and nodular goitre during TRH test, were determined. The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between the increased TSH levels and Tg, and thyroid hormones in the serum in dependence of pathomorphological thyroid status and the patients' ages. TSH maximal level reached (+314%) compared with the basal level 25 minutes after TRH injection, while max Tg level was found 60 minutes after TRH in 15 female patients, medium age 41 (range:33-48), with diffusely enlarged thyroid gland. Concentrations of Tg and T4 in the serum of patients increased at the same time, although no statistical difference for T4 was noted. In 23 females, aged over 60 years (range: 65-80), suffering from euthyroid diffuse goitre, maximal TSH level was achieved later, i.e. 60 minutes after TRH injection, while max Tg was found 90 min after TRH. If we compare Tg serum levels in geriatric females with the data obtained in the younger group, we will note that the increase of Tg concentrations was significantly lower and delayed in elderly subjects (p less than 0.001). Data on TSH-and Tg-increase during TRH test in 10 females suffering from solitary, functioning nodular goitre, were very similar to findings obtained in 15 female patients with diffusely enlarged thyroid (25 minutes after TRH max TSH + 205%, and max Tg level + 198%). The obtained results indicate that Tg serum levels were increased after TRH injection in 48 euthyroid females.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)