Effects of propylthiouracil on body temperature in rats during cold exposure / 中国病理生理杂志

ABSTRACT

AIM: To investigate the effect of cold exposure on the thermoregulatory function in hypothyroid rats. METHODS: Hypothyroid model was established by administration of antithyroid drug propylthiouracil(PTU) in rats. Colonic temperature was measured using digital thermometer. Plasma T_3 and T_4 concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay. The effect of cold exposure on body temperature was observed after 2 weeks of PTU treatment. RESULTS: Plasma T_3 and T_4 concentrations were reduced markedly 2 weeks after PTU treatment, and colonic temperature was also decreased markedly; Hyperthermic response was not different between PTU group and control group during cold exposure. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that PTU-induced hypothyroid rat possesses a robust thermogenic response to short bouts of cold exposure.