Effect of Low Birthweight on Serum Thyroid Hormones, Glucose, Urea and Blood pH in Newborn Lambs

Authors: TUFAN KEÇECİ

Abstract: In this study, serum thyroid hormone, glucose and urea levels as well as blood pH values were compared between six control (birthweight ? 2.5 kg) and seven experimental Merino lambs (birthweight < 2.5 kg, hypotrophic) at 2, 4, 8 and 24 h postpartum. Serum levels of total thyroxin (T_4), free thyroxin (FT_4), total triiodothyronine (T_3; with exception of 24 h postpartum), free triiodothyronine (FT_3; with the exception of 4, 8 and 24 h postpartum) and glucose were lower in hypotrophic lambs compared to the controls. However, the serum urea levels of hypotrophic animals were higher than those of the controls. On the other hand, serum T_3, FT_3 and FT_4 levels determined at 4 and 8 h were higher than those at 2 and 24 h postpartum in both groups. A similar case was also observed in the serum T_4 levels of hypotrophic lambs. In addition, the serum glucose levels of hypotrophic lambs were higher and the blood pH values of both groups were lower at 2 h postpartum. In conclusion, It was observed that low birthweight affected neonatal thyroid function, serum glucose and urea levels in lambs.

Keywords: Thyroid hormone, glucose, urea, blood pH, lamb

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