Reply to: The TSH–free thyroxine relationship: logarithmic–linear or error function?

Rodien, Patrice

doi:10.1530/eje-10-0794

Cited by 1 publication

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“…The similarity of the population curve and the TSH curve may have led researchers [ 4 , 5 , 7 , 8 ] to believe that the two curves describe the same physiology. Differences between the curves have led to discussion as to which curve better describes this physiology [ 4 , 5 , 7 – 9 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Relationship between Population T4/TSH Set Point Data and T4/TSH Physiology

Fitzgerald

Bean

2016

Journal of Thyroid Research

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Context. Population studies of the distribution of T4/TSH set points suggest a more complex inverse relationship between T4 and TSH than that suggested by physiological studies. The reasons for the similarities and differences between the curves describing these relationships are unresolved. Methods. We subjected the curve, derived from empiric data, describing the TSH suppression response to T4, and the more mathematically derived curve describing the T4 response to TSH, to the different possible models of population variation. The implied consequences of these in terms of generating a population distribution of T4/TSH equilibrium points (a “population curve”) were generated and compared to the empiric population curve. The physiological responses to primary hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism were incorporated into the analysis. Conclusions. Though the population curve shows a similarly inverse relationship, it is describing a different relationship than the curve describing the suppression of TSH by T4. The population curve is consistent with the physiological studies of the TSH response to T4 and implies a greater interindividual variation in the positive thyroid T4 response to TSH than in the central inhibitory TSH response to T4. The population curve in the dysthyroid states is consistent with known physiological responses to these states.

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