Abstract
Summary
Analysis of time sequence in pituitary and thyroid phenomena involved during acute response of hamsters to cold exposure indicates a rapidly activated neural component. Within 0.5-1 hour after cold, sensory perception of this temperature change has generated sufficient input into hypothalamic effector mechanisms to deplete pituitary TSH by 60%. After a latent period of 1.5 hours, accelerated release begins and results in 25-30% decrease of thyroidal I131 during 12 hours of cold. Thyroxine (10 μg) is capable of inhibiting thyroidal I131 release when administered as long as 2-3 hours after exposure to cold.
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