HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Blincoe, C. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Blincoe, C.

Computer Simulation of Iodine Metabolism by Mammals

University of Nevada^,2, Reno 89507

Abstract

A digital computer simulation of iodine metabolism including thyroid function has been developed and applied to lactating and nonlactating cattle and sheep. The simulation fits the published data well. It was found that the usually measured parameters of thyroid function are not affected by lactation in cattle. In species such as sheep that excrete milk containing relatively high concentrations of iodine, lactation has a marked effect on the usually measured parameters of thyroid function. These results may explain some of the published discrepancies concerning the relation of thyroid function and lactation.

A computer simulation of the metabolism of fallout iodine-131 by cattle was also made. It agrees well with the data collected. The simulation was applied to various situations that might modify iodine excretion in milk. Change of the cow to uncontaminated (stored) feed after a release of fission products would markedly reduce the milk iodine-131 concentration. The administration of agents to block thyroid hormone synthesis would reduce milk iodine-131. The blocking of the uptake of iodide by the thyroid gland would increase excretion of iodide, including its excretion in milk.

¹ The general outline of this research was developed when the author was visiting the Theoretical Chemistry Institute, University of Wisconsin, Madison, in 1969. The computer simulations were initiated when the author was visiting Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland in 1970. The assistance of these two institutions is gratefully acknowledged in providing the necessary intellectual stimulation and computer time to initiate these studies. Financial assistance of a Research Advisory Board, University of Nevada, grant is gratefully acknowledged. A portion of this communication was presented before the Environmental Chemistry Division, 27th Northwest Regional Meeting, American Chemical Society. Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station Projects Hatch 104 and 112. Journal Series No. 294.

² Division of Biochemistry, Max C. Fleischmann College of Agriculture.