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Related Experiment Videos

Thyroid function in male Zucker rats exposed to cold.

E M Whitaker1, A C Robinson, K M Rayfield

  • 1Department of Physiology, University of Leeds.

Quarterly Journal of Experimental Physiology (Cambridge, England)
|November 1, 1988
PubMed
Summary

Cold exposure increases thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and brown adipose tissue (BAT) in both obese and non-obese Zucker rats. Obese rats showed a greater response, indicating no thyroid defect in cold adaptation.

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Area of Science:

  • Physiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Metabolism

Background:

  • Obesity is linked to metabolic dysregulation.
  • Brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays a role in non-shivering thermogenesis and energy expenditure.
  • Thyroid hormones are critical regulators of metabolism and thermogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the thyroid function and BAT response to cold in obese versus non-obese Zucker rats.
  • To determine if congenital obesity affects the ability to adapt to cold environments.

Main Methods:

  • Non-obese and obese Zucker rats were subjected to cold stress (6°C) for 20 days.
  • Measurements included thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), circulating thyroid hormones (free thyroxine, 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine), and tissue weights (thyroid gland, BAT).

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Main Results:

  • Both rat groups exhibited increased TSH and 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine concentrations in response to cold.
  • Brown adipose tissue weight significantly increased in both phenotypes, with a more pronounced effect in obese rats.
  • Obese rats displayed lower free thyroxine levels compared to non-obese rats.

Conclusions:

  • Congenitally obese Zucker rats demonstrate a functional thyroid axis and BAT response when exposed to cold.
  • Obese rats exhibit an enhanced thermogenic response to cold, suggesting preserved or augmented adaptive mechanisms.
  • These findings challenge the notion of a thyroid defect in obese Zucker rats' response to cold stress.