Low dose ketoconazole therapy and thyroid functions in rats

Acta Medica (Hradec Kralove). 2002;45(4):177-9.

Abstract

To determine whether low dose ketoconazole (KTZ) has antithyroid action, we studied thyroid function tests in the 13 rats treated with KTZ (20 mg/kg twice daily) for thirty days. Serum triiodothyronine and thyroxine levels were decreased (P<0.05) and serum thyroid-stimulating hormone levels were mildly increased (P>0.05) at the end of treatment. Histopathological analysis of the thyroid glands demonstrated an increase in cylindrical cells in study group, but the epithelial cells were mainly cubical in control group. These findings showed that low dose KTZ had antithyroid effect in rats. The responsible mechanisms may be direct effect of the drug on thyroid gland.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antifungal Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Antifungal Agents / toxicity
  • Body Weight / drug effects
  • Ketoconazole / administration & dosage*
  • Ketoconazole / toxicity
  • Organ Size / drug effects
  • Rats
  • Thyroid Gland / drug effects*
  • Thyroid Gland / pathology
  • Thyroid Gland / physiology
  • Thyrotropin / blood
  • Thyroxine / blood
  • Triiodothyronine / blood

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Triiodothyronine
  • Thyrotropin
  • Thyroxine
  • Ketoconazole