GRAVE’S DISEASE

By: Trevor Brighton

QUICK OVERVIEW

Grave’s disease is a thyroid gland disorder which

causes the accelerated production of the thyroid

hormones known as Thyroxine and Triiodothyronine.

This condition is called hyperthyroidism which can

and will affect the normal functions of the hormones.

It’s most common symptoms are, eye irritation and

swelling, dryness of skin, insomnia, goiters,

hyperactivity and over all abnormal mental behavior.

NORMAL THYROID ACTIVITY

The pituitary gland releases Thyroid

stimulating hormones(or TSH for short)

which go on to attach themselves to a

Thyroid cell receptor which signals the

cell to begin producing the 2 thyroid

borne hormones(Thyroxine and

Triiodothyronine). This production is

regulated and once the right amount

NORMAL THYROID ACTIVITY CONT’D.

of the hormones are made, some of it

goes back to the pituitary gland as a

negative feedback signal. Once that

happens the gland shuts off the Thyroid

stimulating hormones.

NORMAL THYROID ACTIVITY ANIMATION

GRAVE’S DISEASE AFFECTED THYROID ACTIVITY

Thyroid activity with Grave’s Disease doesn’t

even involve the pituitary gland, an auto-

antibody attaches itself to the receptor of the

thyroid cell and triggers the cell to begin

producing the hormones only now since there

is no system of negative feedback the

production is unregulated and thus leads to a

huge excess of the hormones which is again

known as hyperthyroidism.

GRAVE’S DISEASE AFFECTED THYROID ACTIVITY ANIMATION