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Measurements of the Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Content of Serum from Hypothyroid and Euthyroid People

The Endocrinology Research Department of the New Zealand Medical Research Council, Medical School Dunedin, New Zealand

Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in hypothyroid and euthyroid people were measured, using McKenzie's bioassay for TSH together with a neutralization test with TSH antiserum to allow correction for nonspecific responses. The mean value in 7 hypothyroid adults was 11.5 µg of the human TSH research standard, MRC A, per 100 ml serum. The mean value in 3 cretinous babies was 34 µg. To measure the TSH level in the euthyroid people, it was necessary to concentrate 1500 ml of pooled serum to a volume of 3 ml, using a 2-stage protein fractionation procedure. The value found was 0.023 µg MRC A/100 ml serum. Treatment of the euthyroid people with thyroxine in suppressive dosage reduced the serum TSH to an undetectable level.

Received May 23, 1967.

Accepted October 23, 1967.