[Relation between hypoxia and thyroid function]

In view of the preponderant role of thyroid hormone in the regulation of oxygen consumption it is easy to understand the interest that has always been aroused by the study of the relationships between thyroid function and hypoxia. Thus far the results obtained have often been contrasting, demonstrating now an increase, now a reduction in thyroid function as evidenced by variations in the thyroid function parameters investigated (T3, T4, TSH, PBI), Thyroscintigraphy, captation curves, histological studies on thyroid tissue). Results obtained by various workers on the basis of physiopathology studies of altitude sickness (Bert, 1879; Mosso, 1909 and Barcroft, 1925) up to the more recent studies of Cramarossa, Donati and Bramati (1965), Moncloa (1966) and Galton (1972) are examined. The apparent discrepancy in results obtained is explained by the heterogeneity of experimental conditions ruling in the different investigations (difference of atmospheric pressure and PAO2, temperatures, diet, stress, duration of the experiment) and the diversity of the objects involved in the experiment (various animals, humans). It is concluded that research methods should be standardised more so as to achieve a more certain, definitive evaluation of the problem.