thyroid gland
TRANSCRIPT
Components of the endocrine system
Endocrine tissue (control)
Biologically active chemical
(synthesis, storage, release)
Transport in blood
Target cells (receptors & response)
Inactivation of chemical
Thyroid hormones
Two hormones
• Tri-iodothyronine (T3)
• Tetra-iodothyronine (T4) = thyroxine
I I
HO O CH2-CH(NH2)-COOH
I
I
N.B. Reverse T3
Control of thyroid gland
hypothalamus
anterior pituitary
thyroid
-
-
+
+
releasing hormone
trophic hormone
T3 & T4
Hypothalamic releasing hormones affecting anterior pituitary
Hypothalamus
(releasing hormone)
Thyrotrophin releasing hormone
(TRH)
Polypeptide hormone (3aa)
Anterior Pituitary
(trophic hormone)
Thyrotrophin
Thyroid stimulating hormone
(TSH)
Glycoprotein hormone
Actions of TSH on thyroid gland
Binding of TSH to receptors on the surface of the follicle cells:
Acute effects (min-hr):
Stimulates synthesis, storage & secretion of T3 & T4
Chronic effects (days):
Stimulates growth & division of follicle cells – gland enlarges producing a goitre.
N.B – enlarged thyroid can be normal, under-active or over-active.
Synthesis of T3 & T4
Synthesis requires:• iodination of tyrosine.• coupling 2 tyrosine molecules.
Tyrosine molecules are part of the polypeptide chain of thyroglobulin:
• synthesised in follicular cells.• stored extracellularly in colloid.
Transport of thyroid hormones
T3/T4
thyroid
Bound>99%
freeblood
target tissues
response inactivation
Mechanism of thyroid hormone action
.Mito.
Response
T3
nucleus
T3 DNAR
mRNA
plasma membrane
T3T4
T4
mito. ?
General effects of thyroid hormones
Increase Basal Metabolic Rate:
↑ number & size of mitochondria.
↑ O2 consumption & heat production.
↑ nutrient utilisation.
Stimulate most metabolic pathways:
Catabolic > anabolic (lipolysis, glycolysis, glycogenolysis, proteolysis).
Promote normal growth & development of tissues:
↑ synthesis of specific proteins.
Increase responsiveness of tissues to sympathetic nervous system (noradrenaline) & various hormones (metabolic & reproductive).
Tissue specific effects of thyroid hormones
Nervous system – development (birth – puberty) & functioning (adults):
↑ myelination of nerve fibres & development of neurons.
↑ speed of reflexes.
↑ mental activity (alertness, emotional tone, memory).
Cardiovascular system:
↑ cardiac output.
direct effect on heart muscle & potentiates effect of noradrenaline.
Skin & subcutaneous tissue:
↑ turnover of proteins & glycoproteins (mucopolysaccharides).
Failure of normal thyroid development.
Hypothyroidism produces cretinism in the new born:• severe mental retardation due to failure in CNS development.
• coarse features, protruding tongue.
• diminished linear growth.
• delayed sexual development.
Reversible if treated within a few weeks.
∴ screen all new born (assay for T4 or TSH)
Hyperthyroidism & hypothyroidism
Hyperthyroidism
Signs & symptoms relate to:∀ ↑ BMR & catabolic activity
∀ ↑ sympathetic & CNS activity
(GI tract, CNS)
• Direct effects on tissues:
(CVS)
Hypothyroidism
∀ ↓
∀ ↓
• Direct effects on tissues:
(CVS, subcutaneous)
Signs & symptoms of hyperthyroidism
Heat intolerance, ↑ perspiration, warm moist hands.
Weight loss (lipid & protein).
Tachycardia (noticeable heart beat) often irregular – increased cardiac output.
Increased bowel movements - increased appetite.
Nervousness, irritability & emotional lability.Hyper-reflexive - possible tremor of outstretched hands.
Eye signs - exophthalmos
Major cause of hyperthyroidism
Grave’s disease:
Affects ~1% of the population (A// = 10/1).
Autoimmune disease:
• production of antibody that stimulates the TSH receptor on follicle cells (LATS).
Treat with carbimazole – inhibits incorporation of iodine into thyroglobulin.
Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism
Cold intolerance, decreased perspiration, cold dry hands.
Mild weight gain.
Bradycardia – decreased cardiac output.
Constipation.
Mood swings - feeling anxious & depressed.
Poor concentration, poor memory, lack of initiative.
Oedema (myxoedema = dry firm waxy swelling of skin & subcutaneous tissue).
Dry skin, brittle nails, some hair loss.
Major cause of hypothyroidism
Hashimoto’s disease
Affects ~1% of the population (A// = 10/1).
Autoimmune disease:
• destruction of thyroid follicles.• production of antibody that blocks the TSH receptor on follicle cells.
Treat with oral T4 (100 – 200 µg/day).
Inactivation of thyroid hormones
T4 and T3 degraded by removal of Iodine - occurs in liver & kidney.
Half-life in plasma: T4 = 7-9 days T3 = 1-2 days
Longer half life of T4 due to greater affinity for binding proteins.
T4 used to treat hypothyroidism – easier to maintain constant blood concentration.