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Thyroid function and cold acclimation in the hamster, Mesocricetus auratus

Journal Article · · Am. J. Physiol.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6414659

Basal metabolic rate (BMR), thyroxine utilization rate (T4U), and triiodothyronine utilization rate (T3U) were measured in cold-acclimated (CA) and room temperature-acclimated (RA) male golden hamsters, Mesocricetus auratus. Hormone utilization rates were calculated via the plasma disappearance technique using SVI-labeled hormones and measuring serum hormone levels via radioimmunoassay. BMR showed a significant 28% increase with cold acclimation. The same cold exposure also produced a 32% increase in T4U, and a 204% increase in T3U. The much greater increase in T3U implies that previous assessments of the relationship between cold acclimation and thyroid function may have been underestimated and that cold exposure induces both quantitative and qualitative changes in thyroid function. It is concluded that in the cold-acclimated state, T3U more accurately reflects thyroid function than does T4U. A mechanism for the cold-induced change in BMR is proposed.

Research Organization:
Southwest Missouri State Univ., Springfield
OSTI ID:
6414659
Journal Information:
Am. J. Physiol.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. J. Physiol.; (United States) Vol. 252:2; ISSN AJPHA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English