Wolff-Chaikoff effect is used to describe hypothyroidism caused by ingestion of a large amount of iodine.[1]
It is an autoregulatory phenomenon which inhibits formation of thyroid hormones inside of the thyroid follicle. This becomes evident secondary to elevated levels of circulating iodide. Wolff-Chaikoff effect lasts several days, after which it is followed by an "escape phenomenon",[2] which is described by resumption of normal organification of iodine and normal thyroid peroxidased function. "Escape phenomenon" is believed to occur because of decreased inorganic iodine concentration secondary to down-regulation of sodium-iodide symporter on the basolateral membrane of the Thyroid Follicular cell.
Wolff-Chaikoff effect can be used as a treatment principle against thyroid storm by infusion a large amount of iodine to shut down the hyperfunctioning thyroid gland, or an unpleasant iatrogenic effect of several iodine containing drugs, of which the most famous is amiodarone.