Induction of experimental thyroid dysfunction in rats with implantable pellets of thyroxine or propylthiouracil.

Subcutaneously implanted pellets containing the thyroid hormone thyroxine or the thyrotoxic agent propylthiouracil were used to induce hyper- or hypothyroidism in rats. The results obtained were compared to those produced by daily subcutaneous injection of these substances. The thyroxine pellets caused substantial elevation of serum thyroxine concentrations for at least 25 days, whereas the propylthiouracil pellets caused a pronounced decrease of serum thyroxine concentrations. Changes in heart weight and rectal temperature were consistent with the observed alterations of serum thyroxine concentrations. Treatment with propylthiouracil was associated with small elevations of serum total protein, urea nitrogen, and creatine concentrations regardless of the method of administration of this agent. It is concluded that implantable pellets are an effective and convenient means of administering drugs for producing thyroid dysfunction in rats.