Thesis Title

Changes in Thyroid Function Associated With Pregnancy in Golden Hamsters

Date of Graduation

Summer 1992

Degree

Master of Science in Biology

Department

Biology

Committee Chair

Thomas Tomasi

Abstract

Thyroxine (T₄) and triiodothyronine (T₃) utilization rates were calculated to determine the changes in thyroid function during pregnancy in the hamster, (Mesocricetus auratus). Turnover rates were calculated via the plasma disappearance technique using ¹²⁵I-labeled hormones. Serum T₄ and T₃ were measured by RIA. Measurements were made before pregnancy and on gestational days 1, 7, and 13. The T₄ utilization increased (p < 0.05) tenfold during the latter part of pregnancy, apparently due to an elevated volume of T₄ distribution. Serum T₄ levels did not change. Triiodothyronine utilization did not change during pregnancy, but T₃ levels decreased middle to late pregnancy. A lower level of T₃ entering the tissues in the latter part of pregnancy seems to be an energy-conserving adaptation in this species.

Subject Categories

Biology

Copyright

© Lisa Harmon Walker

Citation-only

Dissertation/Thesis

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