Normal pituitary hormone response to thyrotrophin releasing hormone in dental personnel exposed to mercury.

: Basal serum levels of TSH, PRL, T3, T4, cortisol, glucose and calcium were determined in a group of dental personnel (n = 11) exposed to mercury vapour from dental amalgam, and in an occupationally unexposed control group (n = 9). The TSH and PRL responses after injection of 25 micrograms TRH were also analysed. There were no significant group differences in basal hormone levels or in TRH responses. The findings do not indicate a negative influence on the pituitary function at the present low grade, chronic mercury exposure.