Investigations have shown that the hypothalamus and pituitary respond to decreases in body temperature by stimulating thyroid release of T_3 and T_4 . This study was designed to bypass the control of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland and investigate the direct effect of temperature on the thyroid gland. Hypothermia was by an in vivo isolated perfusion of the thyroid gland. Radio-immunoassay was used to measure T_3 and T_4 concentrations. Significant increases were observed in animals perfused between 36º and 25ºc. These results indicate that the thyroid gland is directly effected by decreased temperature and that it is capable of exerting control over body temperature independent of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Lower perfusion temperatures produced no significant increases.