Relation of thyroid to gastric acid secretion in the anesthetized rat

Abstract

The amount of free gastric acid secreted after methacholine stimulation was studied in anesthetized rats. Desiccated thyroid elevated the metabolic rates of normal rats 45% and reduced free acid secretion. Thyroparathyroidectomy (3–5 weeks postoperative) did not change secretion from that of controls. Thyroparathyroidectomized rats made euthyroid by thyroxine or desiccated thyroid had reduced secretions. Serum calcium was decreased in all treated groups. Serum phosphate and adrenal gland weights were increased in normal, thyroid-fed rats. Thymus gland weights were unchanged.