Thyroidal iodinated compounds in nodular goitre

The iodinated compounds in the nodular and paranodular tissues of 19 cases of nodular goitre have been separated by thin-layer chromatography. A high monoiodotyrosine/di-iodotyrosine ratio was found in “cold” nodules, and a low one in “hot” nodules. Two unknown iodinated compounds have been detected in the nodular and paranodular tissue in some cases, and evidence is presented suggesting that these are iodinated lipids. Their possible role in diverting iodine from the normal metabolic pathway is discussed.