Camel thyroid metabolism: effect of season and dehydration.

The thyroid function of normally hydrated and dehydrated camels was examined in winter, spring, and summer. The thyroid was stimulated in summer when water was available, but was inhibited following dehydration. It is concluded that the decline of thyroid function, as gauged by hormone secretion during dehydration in the summer, aids in preservation of body water by decreasing pulmonary water loss and dropping basic metabolism.