Effects of intravenous thyrotropin-releasing hormone on 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in human brown adipose tissue: a randomized controlled trial

Objective Brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity in humans is stimulated by cold and by a limited number of pharmacological agents, including β3-adrenergic agonists and bile acids. Although thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) is known to activate BAT in several mammals, this has not been reported in humans. Design A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over trial. Methods We investigated the effects of intravenous bolus administration of 400 µg TRH or 2 mL saline on BAT activity in healthy, lean men. BAT activity was measured as standardized 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose ( 18 F-FDG) uptake and glucose metabolic rate (MRglu) using dynamic PET/CT imaging. The first six individuals were studied at room temperature, while subsequently nine were exposed to mild cold (17°C ± 1°C) for 60 min before imaging. During the dynamic scan, blood was withdrawn for measurement of thyroid hormone and catecholamine concentrations. This trial is registered with The Netherlands National Trial Register (number NTR5512). Results Sixteen participants were recruited. Six men studied at room temperature showed no visible BAT activity during either session. After exposure to mild cold, four of nine men (44.4%) showed clear increase of 18 F-FDG uptake after TRH administration compared to placebo. Maximal standardized 18 F-FDG uptake showed a trend toward increase after TRH compared to placebo ( P = 0.066). MRglu showed a significant increase after TRH administration ( P = 0.014). The increase in 18 F-FDG uptake was not paralleled by changes in plasma thyroid hormone or catecholamine concentrations. Conclusion Systemic TRH administration can increase the activity of cold-stimulated BAT in adult men. These findings may assist developing pharmacological strategies for modulating BAT activity in the management of obesity.