Seasonal changes in serum thyroid hormone levels in ruffed grouse maintained under natural conditions of temperature and photoperiod

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Abstract
Serum triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) concentrations were measured in a population of ruffed grouse, held outdoors under natural conditions of photoperiod and temperature. Blood samples were collected at monthly intervals, and at the solstices and equinoxes to test for variation through the light period. No changes in T4 or T3 levels were found during the light period but levels of T3 and T4 showed marked seasonal changes. Lowest T4 and T3 levels were found in birds during the winter months, with an increase in the concentration of both hormones in early spring concomitant with gonadal development in the adults. A lowering of serum T4 and T3 values was associated with the period of molt.

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