SERUM THYROID STIMULiATING HORMONE (TSH), TOTAL THYROXINE (TT4), TOTAL TRIIODOTHYRONINE (TT3), TRIIODOTHYRONINE UPTAKE RATIO(T3uR), FREE THYROXINE INDEX (FT4I), FR.EE TRIIODOTHYRONINE INDEX(FT3I) AND T3/T'4 RATIO IN THE ELDE.RLY

Serum TSH, TT4, TT3, T3uR, FT31 FT/.I and T3/T4 levels in 206 elderly (over 60 years old) were compared with those of normal adults. The serum TT4, TT3, FT3I and FT31 levels in the elderly are significantly lower than in normal adults (p<0.01), but there was no significant difference in the serum T3/T4 ratio. The relative correlation coefficients of serum TSH with TT4. TT3, FT31 and T3/T4 were 0.2148, 0.6315, 0.3687 and 0.3083, indicating marked correla- tion (p<0.01). The relative correlation coefficients of serum TSH with T3uR and FT,il were 0.263 and -0.1256, cZemonstrating no marked correlation The factors influencing the levels of TSH and thyroidal hormones in the aged are briefly discussed.