Increased alpha-subunit response coexist with increased TSH response to TRH test in healthy individuals.
OBJECTIVE
The alpha-subunit (Alpha-SU) response to TRH was studied to examine the response of alpha-SU under TRH stimulation in normal situation.


METHODS
Thirty seven healthy individuals were included in the study. They were divided into two groups according to the data taken: A with TSH equal or more than seven fold the basal values (0: 3.14+/-1.2 microU/ml., 30 after TRH: 20.22+/-4.6 microU/ml) and B with TSH 2 to 6 fold the basal values (0: 0.5+/-0.1 microU/ml., 30 after TRH: 2.9+/-0.5 microU/ml). Both groups exhibited similar FT3 and FT4 levels.


RESULTS
In group A, prolactin displayed a 3 fold increase from the basal values, whereas alpha-SU increased 4 fold with a difference being statistically significant (p<0.001). In contrast, in group B individuals neither prolactin nor alpha-SU exhibited any significant difference from the basal values.


CONCLUSIONS
The expression of alpha-SU upon TRH stimulation is dependent on the TSH basal values.
Legakis
Ioannis N
IN
Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Henry Dunant Hospital, Athens, Greece. ilegak@med.uoa.gr
Koutsoupa
Kalliopi
K
Manousaki
Aikaterini
A
Detsi
Stella
S
Nikita
Dimitra
D
Laka-Papadodima
Elli
E
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D015292:Glycoprotein Hormones, alpha Subunit / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011388:Prolactin / Q000378:metabolism; D012016:Reference Values; D013268:Stimulation, Chemical; D013960:Thyroid Function Tests; D013972:Thyrotropin / Q000378:metabolism*; D013973:Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000502:physiology*
D015292:Glycoprotein Hormones, alpha Subunit; D013973:Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone; D011388:Prolactin; D013972:Thyrotropin