Abstract
The effect of total thyroidectomy on the production and maintenance of experimental hypertension has been studied in 8 dogs.
In 4 animals hypertension was induced by the application of Goldblatt clamps to the renal arteries. After the stabilization of this, total thyroidectomies were done. This procedure was followed by no significant change in the level of the systolic blood pressure.
In the remaining 4 dogs total thyroidectomies were done. No change in blood pressure resulted. Constriction of the renal arteries in these animals was followed by a well sustained rise in blood pressure.
Blood cholesterol determinations were used as an index of the severity of the myxedema in both groups.
Our conclusion, therefore, is that total thyroidectomy in dogs does not effect either the production or maintenance of this type of hypertension.
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