Goitrogenic activity of turnip: experimental study in rats

Abstract

The administration of turnips to female Whistar rats for 6 months, produces a goiter which differs from iodine-defficient goiter by a smaller I”1 and I137 thyroid levels. This condition is not completely corrected by iodine suplement.

This goitrogenic activity of turnip is related to its contení in thiocyanate, whose antithyroid mecanism of action is the thyroid iodine depletion.

The finding of a high iodine thyroid uptake after turnip intake can be explained by the fact that small doses of SCNK produce a high uptake without blocking the iodide thyroid transport system.

When rats fed with turnips were supplemented with iodine, goiter disappeared, but thyroid hormonal synthesis did not reach the standard levels.