Effect of Oil Paint Fumes Inhalation on the Level of Serum Thyroid Hormones and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone in Rats

Aims: The exposure to chemical materials and colors affects thyroid gland functions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of fume inhalation of oil-based paints on the serum level of thyroid hormones in female and male rats.
In the experimental study, 15 male and 15 female Wistar rats were studied. The rats were divided into six 5-rat groups including a control group and groups with either 1- or 8-hour a day exposure to the paint fumes by gender division. The serum levels of T3, T4, and TSH thyroid hormones were measured after 10 weeks. Data was analyzed by SPSS 20 software using two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc.
Findings: Mean values of T3 and T4 hormones were significantly reduced in both 1- and 8-hour male and female groups than control group (p The inhalation of oil-based paint fume leads to a reduction in the serum levels of T3 and T4 thyroid hormones, while increases TSH serum level. Such an effect is stronger in the females.