The effect of acute cold and warm ambient temperatures on the thyroid hormone concentration in blood plasma, blood supply, and oxygen consumption in Japanese quail

Abstract

Abstract Blood supply to the thyroid gland, blood plasma T4 and T3 concentration, oxygen consumption, and body temperature were measured in Japanese quail in cold (−1 to −6°) and warm (34 to 35°) ambient temperatures. The most pronounced changes were noted during the first hour of temperature influence. During this time, in cold ambient temperature, the blood supply of the thyroid and T3 concentration in the plasma increased 2.14- and 3.24-fold, respectively. The T4 concentration initially decreased significantly then it increased. In a warm ambient temperature constant decreases in blood supply and T4 concentration were noted. The plasma T3 concentration was significant greater at 5 and 48 hr after warm exposure. Oxygen consumption was elevated within the first hour of cold diuration, a decline in oxygen consumption was not observed before Hour 12 of heat influence. A statistically significant change in rectal and skin temperatures occurred chiefly during cold exposure.