The relationship between metoclopramide and hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis and it's clinical application
Dai, Q.; Kuang, A.
Sheng Wu Yi Xue Gong Cheng Xue Za Zhi 21(1): 164-168
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 1001-5515 PMID: 15022491 Document Number: 567993
TSH secretion is controlled by the stimulatory action of hypothalamic TRH and the inhibition via central dopaminergic and somatostatinergic mechanisms as well as by a hypothalamic inhibitory action of thyroid hormones. Metoclopramide is DA2 receptor blockade which can accelerate to elevate the concentration of serum TSH in hypothyroidism, which is accompanied by a progressive loss of dopaminergic tone as demonstrated by a progressive increase in prolaction serum levels, especially in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma(DTC). So the period of L-thyroxine withdrawal is contracted and the symptoms of hypothyroidism is released. It's important to monitor and treat DTC patients with radioactive iodide.