Lecture 26

THYROID
Thyroid Gland
One of largest endocrine
glands
Highly vascular

Histology
◦ Composed of follicles
◦ Parafollicular cells
◦ Secrete calcitonin which reduces
calcium concentration in body
fluids when levels elevated

18-2
Biosynthesis of Thyroid Hormones

18-3
 Biosynthesis of Thyroid Hormones

Synthesis (blue arrows)

Secretion (red arrows)

White arrows denote

pathways involved in the
conservation of iodine and
amino acids.

Thyroid epithelial cell

18-4
Reactions involved in the generation of iodide, MIT,
DIT, T3, and T4
Thyroid Hormones (TH)
Include
◦ Triiodothryronine or T3
◦ Tetraiodothyronine or T4 or thyroxine

Transported in blood
Bind with intracellular receptor molecules and
initiate new protein synthesis
Increase rate of glucose, fat, protein metabolism in
many tissues thus increasing body temperature
Normal growth of many tissues dependent on TH

18-6
 T3 Versus T4
The thyroid gland produces large amounts of T4 but T3 is primarily
responsible for the observed effects of thyroid hormones: a strong,
immediate, and short–lived increase in the rate of cellular metabolism

Peripheral tissues have two sources of T3

1Release by the Thyroid Gland. At any moment, T3 from the

thyroid gland accounts for only 10–15 % of the hormone in peripheral
tissues.

2The Conversion of to Enzymes in the liver, kidneys, and other

tissues can convert T4 to T3. Roughly 85–90 % of the T3 that reaches
the target cells is produced by the conversion of T4 within peripheral
tissues.
 Free T3 is biologically active
 mediates the effects of thyroid hormone on peripheral tissues
 exert negative feedback on the pituitary and hypothalamus

The major binding protein is thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG)

• 70% of circulating T4 and T3 is bound to TBG

• 10% - 15% is bound transthyretin (TTR)

• 15% to 20% is bound to Albumin

• 3% is bound to lipoproteins
 (THs)
1 Regulation of Metabolism
• TH stimulates carbohydrate and lipid catabolism
• Increase the rate of protein synthesis
• Increase the Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) – the energy that is
produced (heat that is released) will then lead to an increase in
body temperature. This is referred to as the calorigenic effect
• TH increase the number of mitochondria in the cells
• TH increases the membrane transport activity
 Effects of Thyroid Hormones
on:

2 Growth and Development

• Assist with the regulation of tissue growth and development
specifically in children
• Together with Growth hormone, TH accelerates body
growth, specifically the nervous tissue
3 Effect of TH on the neuronal system

• TH increases the reactivity of the nervous system:

Increases blood flow

Increases the heart beat
Increases blood pressure
Increases the motility of the GIT
Increases nervousness

• TH is necessary for the development and myelination of

the neurons. A shortage of TH leads to fewer and smaller
neurons, defective myelination of neurons and mental
retardation
Regulation of T3 and T4 Secretion

18-12
 Thyroid Hormone Hyposecretion
and Hypersecretion
Hypothyroidism
◦ Decreased metabolic rate
◦ Weight gain, reduced appetite
◦ Dry and cold skin
◦ Weak, flabby skeletal muscles,
sluggish
◦ Myxedema
◦ Apathetic, somnolent
◦ Coarse hair, rough dry skin
◦ Decreased iodide uptake
◦ Possible goiter
Hyperthyroidism
◦ Increased metabolic rate
◦ Weight loss, increased appetite
◦ Warm flushed skin
◦ Weak muscles that exhibit
tremors
◦ Exophthalmos
◦ Hyperactivity, insomnia
◦ Soft smooth hair and skin
◦ Increased iodide uptake
◦ Almost always develops goiter
18-13