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Central hypothyroidism (thyrotropic deficiency) is due to a defect in TSH secretion by thyrotrophs (or alternatively to an altered bioactivity of TSH). Central hypothyroidism is rare and is often associated with other pituitary deficiencies as it is generally encountered in case of hypothalamo-pituitary tumoral process. Clinical symptoms are milder than those of primary thyroid failure. Diagnosis is based on free T4 measurement whose level is decreased while TSH concentration is normal or minimally increased, reflecting an alteration in the bioactivity of TSH. Replacement therapy is monitored by T4 level measurement: the objective is to obtain normal T4 levels. TSH concentration must not be taken into account for the adjustment of the thyroxine doses.

A cytological and optical microscopic study of the anterior lobe of hypohysis in the Wistar adult rat 10, 30 or 60 minutes after intravenous injection of 50 mug of synthetic TRH discloses modifications of thyrotropic cells and prolactin cells. It's possible to recognize a quick degranulation of the prolactin cells (with a maximum at the 10th minute) and a slower degranulation of the thyrotropic cells (perceptible at the 10th minute and very pronounced at the 60th minute). The somatrotopic cells did not show any modification.