Abstract
Summary
1. A radioactive isotope of potassium (K42) was used to determine the exchangeable potassium content (Ke) in 13 subjects with untreated thyrotoxicosis. The Ke values were lower in untreated thyrotoxic males than in normal male subjects. It is concluded that the low Ke values could be attributed to a decrease in the total muscle mass of the body, resulting from increased catabolism of body tissue. 2. In contrast to the results found in men, the values for Ke/wt in untreated women were normal, with one exception. This sex difference has been attributed to the dissimilarity in body composition normally found between males and females. It is postulated that in women mild or early thyrotoxicosis decreases the relative fat content of the body. Muscle tissue is extensively catabolized only after the store of fat has been depleted.
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