Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Functions of Thyroid Hormones

Functions of Thyroid Hormones

The thyroid hormone (TH) plays a pivotal role in the intricate orchestration of physiological processes, exerting profound effects on development, metabolism, and homeostasis throughout different life stages.
TH is indispensable for the normal development and maturation of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems during fetal and childhood growth. It facilitates bone mineral turnover and regulates protein synthesis in developing tissues, contributing significantly to overall growth and...

Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hypothyroidism is a disorder characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, energy balance, and multiple organ systems.TypesHypothyroidism is classified based on the level of dysfunction. Primary hypothyroidism results from intrinsic thyroid gland dysfunction, causing reduced hormone production despite normal or increased stimulation. Secondary hypothyroidism arises from inadequate thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion by the pituitary. Tertiary...

Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state caused by elevated levels of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It results from dysregulation at the thyroid, pituitary, or immune system level and affects multiple organ systems.PathophysiologyThe most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies, specifically thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb), a subtype of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), bind to and activate TSH receptors...

Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction

Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction

Hyperthyroidism is a type of thyrotoxicosis characterized by the thyroid gland's overproduction of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). This hormone excess increases the basal metabolic rate and enhances sensitivity to catecholamines.DiagnosisDiagnosis is based on clinical features and biochemical testing. It typically shows suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels below 0.4 mIU/L, with elevated free T3 and/or T4. Additional tests, including thyroid...

Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones

Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones

Low blood levels of the thyroid hormones — triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) — signal the hypothalamus to release the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH then reaches the pituitary gland and stimulates the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH) into the bloodstream.
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The iodine is then...

Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology

Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that activate TSH receptors, leading to excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and resulting in hyperthyroidism.Among all causes of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common and can happen at any age, though it is more frequent in women. It produces a hypermetabolic state with features such as weight loss, tachycardia, tremor, and heat...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

50 years ago in the Journal of Pediatrics: Fetal hypothyroidism: I. Effects of hypothyroidism on neural development; II. Fetal versus maternal contributions to fetal thyroxine requirements; III. Clinical implications.

The Journal of pediatrics·2014

Same author

3,3'-Diiodothyronine sulfate cross-reactive material (compound W) in human newborns.

Pediatric research·2012

Same author

Phase 1 trial of 4 thyroid hormone regimens for transient hypothyroxinemia in neonates of <28 weeks' gestation.

Pediatrics·2009

Same author

Thyroid system immaturities in very low birth weight premature infants.

Seminars in perinatology·2008

Same author

Van Wyk Award acceptance speech.

Journal of pediatric endocrinology & metabolism : JPEM·2008

Same author

3'-monoiodothyronine sulfate and Triac sulfate are thyroid hormone metabolites in developing sheep.

Pediatric research·2007

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 13, 2026

A Versatile, Behavioral Method to Investigate Thyroid Hormone Effects on Cerebellar Function

A Versatile, Behavioral Method to Investigate Thyroid Hormone Effects on Cerebellar Function

Published on: October 6, 2023

Thyroid function and dysfunction in premature infants.

Delbert A Fisher¹

¹David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90509, USA. fisherd1@cox.net

Pediatric Endocrinology Reviews : PER

|July 24, 2007

Summary

Advances in premature infant care have increased survival rates for very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. However, these infants often experience transient hypothyroxinemia of prematurity (THOP), impacting neurological development, with supplementation trials yielding inconclusive results.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 13, 2026

A Versatile, Behavioral Method to Investigate Thyroid Hormone Effects on Cerebellar Function

A Versatile, Behavioral Method to Investigate Thyroid Hormone Effects on Cerebellar Function

Published on: October 6, 2023

Area of Science:

Neonatology
Endocrinology
Perinatal Medicine

Background:

Significant advances in neonatal care have reduced mortality in premature infants, particularly very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.
Increased survival of extremely preterm infants (<24 weeks gestation) leads to a larger population requiring intensive care.
VLBW infants exhibit unique thyroid function patterns, including transient central hypothyroidism and non-thyroidal illness (NTI) syndrome.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the roles of thyroid system immaturity and NTI in transient hypothyroxinemia of prematurity (THOP).
To clarify the impact of THOP on subsequent neurological deficits in VLBW infants.
To evaluate the effectiveness of thyroxine supplementation in VLBW infants.

Main Methods:

Observational studies analyzing thyroid hormone levels (TSH, T4, T3, free T4, reverse T3, TBG) in VLBW infants.
Review of existing thyroxine supplementation trials.
Planned and ongoing research studies.

Main Results:

VLBW infants show decreased TSH and T4 responses to parturition, with low total T4 and TSH, and variable free T4 in early postnatal weeks.
A high prevalence of morbidity is observed, often correlating with reduced thyroid hormone levels, mimicking NTI.
Previous thyroxine supplementation trials have produced inconclusive results regarding benefits.

Conclusions:

The etiologies of THOP and its impact on neurological outcomes in VLBW infants require further elucidation.
The precise role of thyroid system immaturity versus NTI in THOP remains unclear.
Further research, including ongoing trials, is necessary to determine optimal management and potential benefits of thyroxine supplementation.