Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Measuring and Interpreting Oxygen Consumption Rates in Whole Fly Head Segments
Published on: January 7, 2019
Cooking-smoke as a factor affecting thyroid metabolism and oxygen transport capability
Abstract:
1. Young Bedouin women found to be prone to illnesses of the thyroid gland and lungs. It was surmised that the cause of both complaints had the same origin: the smoke from cooking over a fire. 2. Laboratory rats were placed in the cooking space in a Bedouin encampment for 2 months. These rats (termed "smoke" animals) were smaller and less active than normal siblings. 3. The smoke animals had increased secretion of thyroid hormones and TSH and the thyroid glands were enlarged, when compared to body weight. 4. Histology of the thyroid showed areas of atrophy, areas of hypertrophy and cysts. There was increased erythropoiesis, allowing for enhanced oxygen transport capability. 5. It is concluded that the smoke, directly, or indirectly by hampering normal lung function, caused a reaction in the thyroid gland, which in turn led to increased production of hemoglobin, probably to guarantee sufficient oxygen for basic cell metabolism.
Related Concept Videos
Factors Affecting Body Temperature
Factors may include:
Factors Affecting Respiration
Other Factors Affecting Respiration Centers
However, the ability to hold one's breath voluntarily is not limitless. When the CO2 concentration in the blood reaches a critical level,...
Factors Affecting Drug Biotransformation: Biological
Species differences: Variations in enzyme systems across species can cause disparities in drug metabolism. For instance, humans may metabolize certain drugs faster than rodents, altering therapeutic effects.
Strain differences: Genetic variations within a species can result in differing enzyme activity, impacting drug response and toxicity. For example, some mouse strains may...
Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology

