Cholesterol Balance Studies in Mice with Modified Thyroid Activities. ∗

Summary

The total cholesterol balance was determined in mice fed 0.4% thyroid, in normal controls, and in mice fed 0.5%. thiouracil. When a diet containing 0.65% cholesterol was offered in restricted amounts (paired feeding), the thyroid hormone stimulated destruction or chemical conversion of cholesterol. However, when a diet low in cholesterol was fed ad libitum, the thyroid hormone stimulated primarily the endogenous synthesis and the excretion of the sterol. The relation of the nutritional state of the animal to the mode of action of the thyroid hormone on the metabolism of cholesterol is discussed.