Development of the independent function of fetal thyroid glands in the dog in connection with iodothyronine concentrations in pregnant bitches, fetal fluids and fetal serum

Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations in pregnant and non-pregnant bitches were measured. The allantoic and amniotic fluid samples were collected separately in the third week of pregnancy and fetal blood samples were collected in the fourth week of pregnancy. There was no difference between T4 results in the pregnant and non-pregnant animals, but the measured serum concentrations exceeded the healthy range for normal adults. Serum T4 concentrations were lower in the fetus than in adults (P < 0.01).
Source: Domestic Animal Endocrinology - Category: Endocrinology Authors: Source Type: research