Effect of fetal thyroidectomy on newborn thermogenesis in lambs

We investigated the effect of the transient neonatal hyperthyroid state on thermogenesis at birth by measuring rectal temperature, plasma free fatty acids, plasma catecholamines, and in vitro brown adipose tissue respiration in thyroidectomized (n = 6) and sham operated (n = 5) fetal sheep. Surgery was performed at an average of 133 days of gestation followed by cesarean delivery at 146 days. Fetuses were delivered into a constant room temperature of 25 degrees C. Serial measurements were made in utero before delivery and at timed intervals after birth. Serum 3,3',5 triiodothyronine and thyroxine concentrations in the neonatal period were normal in sham operated and nondetectable in thyroidectomized fetuses. Rectal temperatures and serum free fatty acid levels were reduced in thyroidectomized newborns. Plasma epinephrine concentrations were increased and the hypothyroid neonates were acidotic when compared to control animals. In vitro basal and norepinephrine stimulated brown adipose tissue respiration were reduced in thyroidectomized compared to control animals. These results indicate that thyroid hormone deficiency impairs nonshivering thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue and leads to hypothermia despite augmented plasma epinephrine values.